Facade of the Department of Health office in Manila. (INQUIRER.net file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) ordered early this month the release of around P1.3 billion in health emergency allowances (HEA) for private and public healthcare workers who handled COVID-19 patients.
Based on a department order dated July 5, a copy of which was furnished to the Inquirer on Saturday, P457.1 million was set aside for public hospitals and private health facilities, which will be coursed through the regional Center for Health Development (CHD), in 10 regions. This covers the COVID-19 allowances that should have been given for their work since January this year.
Another P802.3 million was allotted for the distribution of HEA to private hospitals in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, through its respective CHDs. The amount covers the delayed benefits for the period July to December 2021 and July to December 2022.
However, even with the latest allotment for the COVID-19 benefits, delayed payment for around eight to 10 months of hospital duty has remained unfunded, according to the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines.
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