BARANGAY officials usually bear the brunt in addressing the immediate health needs of their constituents. But they hold the proverbial empty bag when the needs are for themselves. To correct the seemingly anomalous lopsidedness, and in recognition of these officials' selfless zeal in helping others, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president Rey Aquino have signed an addendum to the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the universal coverage for indigents.

The addendum adds to the original 17,000 to 20,000 families benefiting from the universal coverage the barangay captains, councilors, treasurers, secretaries, tanods, health and day care workers (BHWs and DCWs) who implement programs of the national government in their villages. Aumentado said the barangay officials' and workers' names however will be checked against the master list of PhilHealth, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) and the database of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC) to ensure against double listing which the government's health insurer does not allow.

Under the arrangement, the provincial government pays the premiums. As such it is entitled to capitation. Instead of the whole amount going back to the provincial coffers however, Aumentado said provincial government owned hospitals will be allowed to retain half of the amount to purchase medicines for the PhilHealth patients and to upgrade their equipment and facilities with. The barangay officials and workers have welcomed the development, saying that not everyone of them have steady jobs or are employed, hence the coverage would go a long way in easing their burden when they or member or members of their families are hospitalized.