DOH assures health workers: We are taking delayed benefits issue ‘very seriously’

This file photo shows a health worker performing swab test to clients at Philippine Red Cross in Mandaluyong City on Thursday, September 23. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said that it is “seriously” looking into the concern of delayed benefits for health workers during the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“We are taking the issue of delayed benefits very seriously. When matters like this come to our attention, we conduct thorough investigations and concerned offices are made to answer to the Secretary and develop solutions to improve the delivery of services and expedite processes,” said DOH in a statement.

“As health workers, many of us in the DOH—including members of our Executive Committee—have experienced working on the ground, in our health facilities, which is why we understand the challenges in the frontlines—being overworked, underpaid, demoralized, and in this pandemic, even more vulnerable,” it added.

DOH said complaints on delayed hazard pay and benefits may be coursed through the DOH – Complaints Handling Unit at [email protected].

“Again, we are taking this matter very seriously and we welcome any feedback to introduce changes on how we deliver our services. Our people-centered health system does not only respond to the health welfare of the general public but also to the health workers who are with us in attaining this vision and battling this pandemic,” the health department said.

On Friday, the labor union of University of the Philippines conducted a protest because health workers of Philippine General Hospital in Manila did not receive their COVID-19 hazard pay and special risk allowance.

CFC