COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) recently celebrated the efforts of physicians who have been tirelessly working to improve healthcare in remote areas. These doctors have been pivotal in serving communities with limited medical resources.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., the BARMM health minister, praised the commitment of the 23 rural health physicians (RHPs) involved in the Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program. He emphasized their significant sacrifices and the crucial role they play in enhancing rural healthcare across the Bangsamoro region, despite lucrative opportunities in private sectors.
The DTTB Batch 39, dubbed ‘Sinagtala,’ recently concluded their service with an exit conference in Davao City. This event marked the end of their three-year tenure dedicated to improving healthcare access in various parts of the country.
Among the celebrated physicians, Drs. Raymond Flores and Sahed Arvin Sukarno from BARMM received the ‘Most Outstanding Doctors to the Barrios’ award for their outstanding contributions in Maguindanao del Sur. Dr. Flores has been serving in Mangudadatu, while Dr. Sukarno has been stationed in Pandag.
Dr. Sinolinding also acknowledged the support from the Department of Health Central Office, which has been instrumental in deploying health professionals to underserved areas. This initiative not only aims to enhance health outcomes but also aligns with sustainable development goals focused on health equity.