Duque to look into state of health of government employees

MANILA, Philippines – Being the first physician to head the commission concerned with the bureaucracy, Francisco Duque III believes his appointment cannot have better timing especially with a study claiming that 30 percent of state workers in Metro Manila have mental disorders.

The new Civil Service Commission chairman also said these findings revealed in the survey conducted in 2007 should be looked into, citing that the study should be made nationwide, covering all government agencies.

As he formally assumed as the new CSC chairperson yesterday, Duque – who until his new appointment handled the health portfolio – even light-heartedly told employees of the commission that they could line up outside his office for check-up and medical advice.

“As former DOH (Department of Health) secretary, my being a doctor brings an added value. I come to you with a health perspective,” Duque said.

“You could line up outside my office regarding (questions) on diabetes (among others). I’m ready to teach you everything I have learned at the DOH,” he told CSC employees.

Duque cited a survey done by the Philippine Psychiatric Association claiming that three out of 10 state workers in agencies in Metro Manila have mental disorders that need professional intervention.

He said these mental disorders could be due to a number of “externalities” like stressors including poverty and piling up problems and even work-related stress.

Duque also said the findings of the survey should not be cause for alarm.

The newly appointed CSC head also maintained that the government has had many interventions to address the matter even before the result of the survey came out, even citing the government’s National Center for Mental Health and even private psychiatrists tapped by the state.

While at the helm of the CSC, he said he would also push for healthy lifestyle practices among the government workforce, including avoidance from smoking, moderated drinking and regular exercise.

Duque expressed optimism that he will not be bypassed by the Commission on Appointments despite his not being a lawyer.

Duque maintained that the commission is not just a quasi-judicial body but also performs administrative and rule-making functions.

He said he hopes his past accomplishments as health secretary and president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. would be looked into as basis for his qualification for his new job.

Meantime, a group of public employees yesterday blamed the poor working conditions in public offices nationwide for the poor mental state of most government workers .

The Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) said most public employees are reeling from economic difficulties and are experiencing hunger with their meager salaries.

In a related development, Esperanza Cabral, Duque’s replacement as chief of the health department, said she will not waver on her support for artificial methods of family planning despite the DOH policy against the procurement of contraceptives.

“It’s the same. Of course (it won’t change),” said Cabral in an interview after a turnover ceremony at the DOH office yesterday afternoon. —-Reinir Padua (The Philippine Star) with Mayen Jaymalin, Sheila Crisostomo