The Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday, Aug. 22, it is coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to facilitate the request of additional funds for the benefits of healthcare workers.

The Health department made the statement amid reports that mandated benefits, such as the Special Risk Allowance (SRA), have not been received by some healthcare workers amid the ongoing battle against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“he DOH assured the public that it is in close coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to facilitate the request for additional funds for the grant of these benefits,” it said.

“The Department thanked the DBM for prioritizing the processing of funds for healthcare worker benefits, and procurement of critical medical supplies,” it added.

It was earlier reported that some healthcare workers from private hospitals threatened to go on mass resignation due to lack of benefits.

President Duterte has ordered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to prioritize the release of benefits due to the country’s health workers if there is enough funds.

“Nonetheless, the DOH recognizes the need to further improve inter-agency coordination and communication, and to further streamline processes among its operating units to ensure dispatch in providing benefits for our frontliners who have worked tirelessly to keep Filipinos safe,” it said.

Meanwhile, the DOH said that it has been working closely with other government agencies throughout the COVID-19 response, noting that containing the spread of the disease and mitigating its economic effects “entails a whole-of-government effort.”

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, national government agencies have all been tirelessly working together,” the DOH said.

“With this, the DOH is grateful for the invaluable contributions of the national agencies in the pandemic response,” it added.