MANILA, Philippines — An initial 857 healthcare workers will be deployed in three COVID-19 referral hospitals, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Sunday.
In its Department Memorandum No. 2020-0153, DOH set the guidelines for the emergency hiring of health personnel during the coronavirus pandemic as well they deployment in the following order of priority:
- DOH-designated COVID-19 referral hospitals like Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP), Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital;
- Temporary treatment and monitoring facilities for COVID-19;
- DOH-designated COVID-19 diagnostic facilities;
- Public hospitals (national and local) handling COVID-19 patients; and;
- Private hospitals duly designated by the DOH to handle COVID-19 cases.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said health staff will be hired as contractual and shall include physicians, nurses, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, medical equipment technicians, nursing attendants, administrative assistants, administrative aides; and other personnel.
“The hiring of health personnel is primarily to augment our workforce in health facilities in the regions, provinces, or cities that manage COVID-19 cases,” Duque said in a statement on Sunday.
DOH said the hiring of health personnel will be approved by the department’s Administrative Service-Personnel Administration Division (AD-PAD) based on the needs assessment submitted by DOH facilities, or through their respective Centers for Health Development (CHD) or by the Ministry of Health of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM).
“Upon approval, said facilities may proceed with the recruitment and hiring process,” DOH said.
Further, DOH said that hired health personnel will be entitled to a monthly salary compensation “with a 20% premium based on the basic salary, regardless of the number of quarantine days per month.”
They will also be provided with protective personal equipment (PPE); board and lodging while on duty or on quarantine; psychosocial support, as needed; Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units; medico-legal assistance; and preferential evaluation for DOH vacancies, depending on qualifications.
However, DOH said that “priority will be given to those who signed up as volunteers for the COVID-19 response in DOH sites.”
“Additionally, the health personnel will receive hazard pay of Php500/day whether on duty or under required quarantine; GSIS group insurance (one time premium of Php 500); benefits under the Bayanihan We Heal As One Act such as PhilHealth hospitalization benefits, Php 100,000 in case of infirmity due to COVID-19 and Php 1,000,000 in case of death; and a communication and transportation allowance of Php 1,000/month,” DOH noted.
They are also eligible to receive a one-time special risk allowance of up to 25% of their monthly basic pay, the health agency said.
“We are thankful for the health care workers who volunteered their expertise in this COVID-19 battle. Your heroism in the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic is an inspiration to the government and to the Filipino people,” Duque said.
As of Sunday, the DOH said there are 4,648 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, with the death toll reaching 297.
KGA