MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is ready to realign its funds to procure more COVID-19 vaccines as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III made the assurance Wednesday during the deliberations on the proposed budget of the DOH for 2022.
“I reassure that realignment is done and will be done again given the compelling reasons for prioritizing our vaccination program against COVID,” Duque said.
“I stand with you shoulder to shoulder that we will identify projects and programs from where we can source the realigned funds to support a much more vigorous immunization program against COVID,” he added.
It was former health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin who raised the possibility of realigning DOH funds to procure additional COVID-19 vaccines.
“Siguro naman baka ‘yung mga iba, virtual naman ngayon, so wala masyadong gastos sa catering, wala masyadong gastos sa travels,” Garin said.
“Like the Botika ng Bayan, many generic pharmacies are already operating and it’s an income-generating endeavor of LGUs, maybe we can shift that to vaccines for the meantime and have the Botika ng Bayan funded under unprogrammed funds,” she added.
Under the proposed 2022 national budget, P45 billion is allotted for COVID-19 booster shots. However, it is important to note that booster shots are different from the regular COVID-19 vaccines that are usually given in two doses.
Booster shots are given to those who have already completed their regular COVID-19 shots.
The P45 billion allotment, however, is placed under unprogrammed appropriations. If a budget allocation is placed under unprogrammed appropriations, it means it will only be funded if the government will be able to raise enough money for it.