The target community selected for this research study us Barangay Parola in Tondo, Manila. Barangay Parola served to be a good representative community for the study due to its sub-human condition as an identified urban slum area where health care is practically non-existent and at the same time it is known to be a hotbed of criminal and lawless elements.
This study used one hundred ninety (190) respondents from the PNP Health Service personnel and the barangay officials of Parola which was the sample size obtained during the Slovin formula. However, out of the 190 respondents, only 164 accomplished survey questionnaires were returned. The descriptive method was used using survey instruments, interview guide and actual observations in order to gather needed data for the study. It further includes the percentage, average weighted mean, and F-test as statistical tools for the study. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The study assessed the effectiveness of the Medical and Dental Program of the PNP, addressed the problems encountered and implemented the solutions to the problems in terms of information campaign, systems and procedures, logistical and financial support and community responsiveness which are all aimed at strengthening Police Community Relations of PNP in Manila.
The following are the findings of the study:
The computed F-value was higher than the critical F-value on the effectiveness of the Medical and Dental Program, problems encountered affecting the effectiveness of the Medical and Dental program and the proposed measures to address the problems encountered in terms of Information Campaign, Systems and Procedures and Community Responsiveness but the proposed measures to address the problems encountered on Logistical and Financial Support revealed no significant difference.
Based on the findings obtained, following were the conclusions derived: 1.) There is a need to improve promotional campaign through massive information blitz and conduct an orientation program in target community. Systems and procedures need to be improved in the area of waste disposal system and providing extended consultation for preventive practices and helpful health habits. 2.) The problems that need to be addressed are the limited medical and dental treatments offered by the PNP Medical and Dental program and the urgent need to address the precarious garbage condition in every medical and dental civic action. 3.) The proposed measures that are highly recommended were the conduct of an orientation program and the continuing effort to maintain an open line of communication with the LGU. 4.) There is a significant difference in the overall assessments of both respondents on the effectiveness of the Medical and Dental Program of the PNP, the problems encountered, and the proposed measures in terms of Information campaign systems and procedures and Community Responsiveness but the proposed measures on Logistical and Financial Support revealed no significant difference. 5.) An Action Plan was developed to enhance the Medical and Dental Service Delivery of the PNP to help strengthen Police Community Relations in Manila. This includes promoting healthcare awareness, upgrading/adding to the Medical/Dental treatments and consultations being offered in the program, organizing waste disposal system, exploring alternative sources of funds for logistical needs, maintaining open line of communication with LGUs and target community.
From the conclusions drawn, following are the recommendations: 1.) Institutionalize Healthcare Awareness and Promotions Program through regular and systematic information campaign and orientation session. Organize the health care service delivery by implementing registration procedures to control the number of patients to be treated to allow additional consultation time for each patient to deal with preventive medical and dental practices. 2.) The PNP Health Service needs to review and study the existing Medical and Dental Outreach Program to look at ways of upgrading and/or enhancing the service delivery in terms of additional specialized consultations or treatments. Concerted efforts must be undertaken between the PNP and the LGU to devise and implement proper waste disposal system to avoid further health hazards and protect the environment. 3.) Conduct a comprehensive orientation program that will not only provide orientation in the procedurals of the health service delivery and educate the target community in health care awareness and healthy lifestyle but also provide a forum to inform and educate them in wholesome and healthy community living that is conducive to family life. All efforts on the part of PNP must be exerted to strengthen its working relationship with the LGUs. 4.) The PNP Health Service has to be proactive and respond to the immediate needs of the target community to lessen and ultimately eliminate its negative responses and disapproval ratings. This has brought about the significant difference in the assessments of both PNP and the Barangay Officials on the effectiveness of the Medical and Dental Program of the PNP and the Barangay Officials on the effectiveness of the Medical and Dental program of the PNP, the problems encountered, as well as the proposed solutions to the said problems, specifically the major variables, namely, information campaign, systems and procedures, logistical and financial support and community responsiveness. 5.) Further research study may be undertaken to improve or enhance the findings of this study to achieve the ultimate enhancement of the Medical and Dental Program of the Philippine National Police in strengthening Police Community Relations in Manila.