The city government has allotted a PHP1,000 communication allowance to 47 midwives here who are also serving as contact tracers of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients since January this year.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. said on Wednesday that some PHP650,000 was appropriated for their communication expenses as they reach out to people who have been exposed to Covid-19 through call or text, and for providing health education and guidance to stop transmission of the disease.

“Napakalaki po ang gampanin ng mga midwives natin sa pag-mo-monitor sa kalagayan ng mga indibidwal na may kinalaman sa Covid-19. Sa kanila po nagsisimula ang unang responde (Our midwives have a huge role to play in monitoring the condition of individuals when it comes to Covid-19. The first response begins with them),” Lazatin said in an official social media post.

The 47 midwives assigned at the six rural health units (RHUs) and 28 sub-health centers throughout the 33 barangays are in the frontline services for communication and coordination with patients for further assessment.

This is based on the protocol of the city government for reported Covid-19 cases, with the help of the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office that is manning the 24/7 Covid-19 hotlines.

The hotlines were established in March 2020 to cater to concerns and reports regarding coronavirus cases.

“We should support our front-liners who have been in the service since Covid-19 hit the city. Maliit man itong halaga pero alam nating malaking tulong para sa kanilang trabaho (It’s a small amount but we know it’s a big help for their work),” Lazatin said.

It can be recalled that last January, some 111 nurses assigned at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) started to receive their PHP12,000 salary increase.

Last year, the mayor also ordered the immediate computation and release of the Special Risk Allowance (SRA) of health workers extracting Covid-19 patients, as well as hazard pay for health workers and front-liners physically reporting for work.

Health workers were also provided temporary housing.

As of last June 8, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city is 6,098 with 381 active cases, 5,441 recoveries and 276 deaths. (PNA)