MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the disbursement of PHP 50.56 billion in health emergency allowance (HEA) for healthcare workers (HCWs) up to November 3, 2023, as part of the ongoing effort to support the frontline workers who have been vital throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Philippines News Agency, the sum includes a recent PHP 4-billion increase following additional allotment provided by the Department of Budget and Management. The allocation has been distributed among the Center for Health Development (CHD), DOH-run hospitals, treatment and rehabilitation centers, and other attached agencies.
The agency detailed that 90.07 percent of the allocated funds, or PHP 45,532,813,132.35, has been released to the health workers, with a total of 6,789,044 claims processed to date. The Department also noted that it has outstanding arrears amounting to PHP 62.2 billion for the calendar years 2021 to 2023.
Under the Republic Act No. 11712, or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowance for Health Care Workers Act, this provision of HEA is established for eligible HCWs and non-HCWs during health emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The DOH reaffirms its commitment to the continuous disbursement of these benefits and allowances to health workers in both public and private sectors.
The DOH has urged all health facilities to collaborate with their respective CHDs by submitting necessary documents, including the memorandum of agreement, liquidation reports, and other disbursement requirements, to facilitate the prompt release of the health emergency allowance to the entitled individuals.