DOH seeks P67.62B supplemental budget for COVID-19 response

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health is seeking a P67.62 billion supplemental budget to aid in their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the House committee on Metro Manila Development’s online hearing, Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said that the Department of Budget and Management has already approved P45.72 billion of their request.

Aside from the supplemental budget, Bayugo said that the health department also realigned P2.28 billion of its own funds for the implementation of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), procurement of test kits, prevention and control of other infectious diseases, and hiring of more human resources for health (HRH).

“Dagdag din sa QRF o Quick Response Funds as contingent funds for future developments relative to COVID-19 response,” Bayugo said.

Meanwhile, based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s eighth report to Congress on government measures in response to COVID-19 crisis, the DOH has likewise approved 5,601 slots for emergency hiring in 121 health facilities in the country as of May 15.

“Out of the 5,601 slots approved, 1,759 HRH has been hired and deployed to 31 hospitals and quarantine facilities managed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ),” the report stated.

“A total of 1,255 HRH or 79% is to be assigned in the NCR. Under the DOH HRH Deployment Program, a total of 756 nurses were temporarily redeployed to augment the capacity of health care institutions,” it added.

As of May 18, there are 12,718 COVID-19 cases in the country, with recoveries at 2,729 and death toll rose at 831.

EDV