BTA Health committee vows to address issues

Source: mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com

COTABATO CITY - In a recent virtual meeting, the Bangsamoro Parliament's Health Committee convened to tackle pressing health issues affecting the region, including the measles outbreak, Health Emergency Allowance (HEA), and the delayed release of health workers' salaries.

MOH Deputy Minister Zul Qarneyn Abas said the region reported 1,175 measles cases in 2023, with a further increase to 848 cases in 2024.

The committee reiterated the necessity of continually monitoring the situation and requested that the MOH provide updated data on vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Dr. Abdulhalik Kasim, MOH's assistant secretary and HEA's focal person, addressed concerns regarding the Health Emergency Allowance. He assured the committee that the remaining allowances owed to health workers would be released immediately once the necessary funds were made available.