Shared Road Responsibility. Ma. Carmela A. Roa, head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Cluster, said road safety is a shared responsibility among government agencies, highlighting the need to implement policies, projects, and promote responsible road user behavior to help ensure safer streets and communities. (Photo: GDA/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao is working to strengthen coordination with government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in efforts to reduce road accidents in the region.
During the Regional Interagency Committee on Environmental Health (RIACEH) meeting on Aug. 19, Ma. Carmela A. Roa, head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Cluster, outlined the department’s plan to mobilize the interagency group.
“[The] RIACEH is an avenue for agencies to discuss matters pertaining to the environment and health, which especially includes road safety. On the subject of road safety, DOH primarily looks at the ‘safety’ aspect and its implications on health, that is why we created [the committee]. Ang road safety dili lang [responsibilidad] sa usa ka agency (is not only a responsibility of a single agency), it is for all,” Roa said.
DOH data show that in 2021, there were eight road crash-related deaths per 100,000 Filipinos. The agency aims to reduce this figure by 35% by 2028 through a “safe systems” approach that includes improving road infrastructure, promoting responsible road use, and enhancing emergency response to crash incidents.
As part of its eight Priority Health Outcomes, DOH supports LGUs in road safety efforts by providing first aid kits to rural health units, information and education materials, and training on basic life support and first aid.
In partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), DOH also encourages the use of local health centers as initial points of care.
“Ang first gyud nga encounter sa healthcare is at the community through barangay health centers or primary care facilities. When these are accredited by PhilHealth, and with technical assistance from the DOH, kung naay mga road crash accidents nga minor ra, kani nga mga capacitated primary care facilities at the local level pwede na gyud mag-assess ug maghatag og sakto nga services sa pasyente,” said Dr. Juvilynn B. Dinampo, head of the Health Facility Development Unit.
(The first encounter with healthcare really happens at the community level through barangay health centers or primary care facilities. When these are accredited by PhilHealth, and with technical assistance from the DOH, if there are minor road crash accidents, these capacitated primary care facilities at the local level can already assess and provide the appropriate services to the patient.)
Dinampo said this setup supports the department’s referral system by reserving hospital services for complex cases.
RIACEH includes regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police. (GDA/PIA-10)
(by Gabriel D. Andres )
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