MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) will conduct a medical service fair on April 16 for jeepney, tricycle, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, as part of efforts to support what Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa described as among the country’s “most vulnerable” workers.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel on Friday, Herbosa said the event will be held at the DOH Gym in Manila and will offer free health services, medicines, and basic necessities to participating drivers.

“We are going to hold a fair on April 16 doon sa DOH… we will provide them free health services,” Herbosa said.

He said jeepney, tricycle, and TNVS drivers in Manila are expected to benefit from the initiative, which aims to ease the burden on transport workers facing both economic and health challenges.

“Sila ang hardest hit… kung matulungan natin yung most vulnerable, magco-continue sila magpasada,” he said.

(They are the hardest hit… if we can help the most vulnerable, they probably can continue working.)

The one-day event will feature various service booths where drivers can undergo medical checkups, health tests, and receive free medicines.

Herbosa added that the DOH is coordinating with partners to broaden the assistance beyond healthcare. A KADIWA outlet will also be set up to provide access to affordable goods, while non-government organizations are expected to distribute free food.

He said the initiative also aims to help reduce stress among drivers and may serve as a pilot run for similar programs in other regions.

“I’m hoping my regional offices will do the same,” he said.

He added that he is considering directing DOH regional offices to replicate the program nationwide.

The DOH emphasized that prioritizing drivers is part of its broader strategy to focus assistance on sectors most affected by current economic conditions.

“I know we’re all hit, but the idea is if we help the most vulnerable, hindi tayo masyadong mahihirapan,” Herbosa said.

The April 16 medical fair is among the DOH’s targeted initiatives to bring health services closer to transport workers who often have limited access to care due to the demands of their livelihood.