The Department of Health (DOH) will hold a free medical service fair for jeepney, tricycle, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers at the DOH Gym in Manila on Thursday, April 16.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel on April 10, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the activity aims to provide free health services and medicines to drivers affected by ongoing economic challenges due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“I'm going to hold a fair [on] April 16, dun sa DOH, we are going to get the tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers of Manila and provide free health services,” he said.
The health chief added that the fair will also feature support from KADIWA and partner organizations, which will provide additional assistance such as affordable goods and free meals to those “hardest hit“ by the ongoing crisis.
He said the initiative is designed to help vulnerable sectors, particularly drivers who continue to work despite rising costs of fuel products.
“But the idea is kung matulungan natin yung most vulnerable, siguro hindi tayo masyadong mahirapan kasi magco-continue sila magpasada. At least we can convert government support to them in some other way. Better health services, mga libreng gamot, libreng tests,” Herbosa said.
Non-government organizations are also expected to participate, including those providing free food such as porridge.
“The general concept is we will hold it at the DOH gym. So most likely siguro ang magagawa natin dito, Manila. Manila, jeepney drivers, tricycle drivers, TNVS drivers. Parang fair siya, pwede kang makakuha sa booth ng medical check-up...meron akong NGO na pinapunta doon, magpapakain ng lugaw, free. So parang ganun lang, just to mawala yung stress ng ating mga jeepney driver and then all other services of health. So binuhos ko yun as part of my partnership with government na makatulong sa most vulnerable," he said.
Herbosa expressed hope that the program could be replicated nationwide through DOH regional offices.
“I’m hoping my regional offices will do the same. I plan to start this and eventually instruct all regional directors to implement similar activities across the country,” he said.
The DOH confirmed that free medicines will be available during the event.
