Legazpi City – The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) has deployed 14 new Doctors to the Barrio (DTTBs) to various Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, reinforcing healthcare services in rural and underserved communities.
The deployment, conducted on February 17, aims to address the persistent shortage of medical professionals in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). DOH Bicol CHD Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rosa Maria B. Rempillo underscored the importance of the program in bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring equitable medical access for communities far from urban centers.
“These doctors play a vital role in understanding and addressing the unique health challenges of each community. Strengthening the local health workforce through the DTTB program is essential in improving rural healthcare,” Dr. Rempillo stated.
Each of the following LGUs has been assigned one DTTB to bolster healthcare services:
- Albay: Guinobatan, Malinao
- Camarines Norte: Vinzons
- Camarines Sur: Iriga City, Lagonoy, Libmanan, San Jose, Tigaon
- Catanduanes: Virac – 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗧. 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘇𝗼
- Masbate: Baleno, Balud, Palanas, Cawayan, Mandaon
The DTTB program, initiated in 1993, remains a cornerstone of the DOH’s efforts to deploy competent medical professionals to underserved areas. The municipal mayors and their representatives formalized their commitment by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DOH Bicol CHD, ensuring continued support for the program and the improvement of health service delivery in their respective communities.
The deployment of these doctors is expected to enhance preventive healthcare, improve treatment access, and strengthen the overall health system in rural Bicol, ultimately benefiting thousands of residents. (Bicol Peryodiko Newsteam/DOH)
