THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday launched a health care program for its street sweepers dubbed “ Project H2H: Healthcare to Heroes.”
The program, held in partnership with the Junior Chamber International-Manila (JCI-M), will initially benefit some 200 street sweepers more commonly known as “Metro aides.”
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said under the program, the street sweeper-beneficiaries will get an annual physical exam including blood, urinalysis, unlimited consultation in Medicard-accredited health centers and 20 percent discount in medical laboratories.
Artes said the street sweepers will be provided with a health card they can use to avail of the benefits.
The MMDA has more than 900 street sweepers.
Last March, the MMDA, in partnership with JCI-M, also launched a fitness program for its employees dubbed “Batak Trapiko Weight Loss Program.”
Victor Nunez, director of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office, said the program was intended to make agency employees, especially those tasked with delivering front-line services such as traffic enforcers, physically fit through proper diet and physical activities.
JCI-Manila president Eric Ke said they decided to launch the program first with MMDA traffic enforcers and now with street sweepers since they bore the brunt of the rigors of their work.
Ke said most of them also do not have the time nor the proper knowledge on how to exercise and maintain a proper diet.
