INSIDE THE COVID WARD PGH / JUNE 19, 2021 Head Chaplain Father Marlito Ocon SJ and Assistant Chaplain Father Henry Ponce SJ of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Chapel and The Chaplaincy prepare to go inside the Covid Ward 3 to conduct sacrament of the anointing of the sick for the patients. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos may expect more improvements among public health facilities nationwide as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday confirmed an increase in the budget allocation for a program that seeks to upgrade the country’s health facilities.
The DBM confirmed that P28.58 billion has been allocated for implementing the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) in this year’s General Appropriations Act – 6.6 percent higher than 2023’s figure of P26.81 billion.
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“This is just proof that our government is really serious about improving health services in the country. As the President said in his last SONA [State of the Nation Address], we are increasing our public health facilities both in number and in capability. And so, we will ensure that this program will get a much-needed support,” DBM Chief Amenah Pangandaman said of the increased budget allocation for the program.
“We understand that many Filipinos rely on public hospitals and clinics, that’s why it’s important that our health facilities are prepared and equipped to cater to the needs of our countrymen,” her statement continued in Filipino.
The DBM said that the Department of Health-implemented program budget will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade or expansion of government healthcare facilities nationwide.
The department added that it will also allow the purchase of hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles.
The budget department further said that the HFEP prioritizes Universal Health Care sites and far-flung or Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged areas (GIDAS).
GIDAS refers to communities with marginalized populations physically and socio-economically separated from mainstream society, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said on its website.
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Meanwhile, a page on the National Economic and Development Authority’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) website said that the HFEP plays an important role in achieving the country’s health-related SDGs by providing affordable, quality, and specialized treatment to Filipinos.