The Department of Health (DOH) reported that more than ₱1.4 billion were distributed for the special risk allowances of the country’s healthcare workforce for this year.
“Para naman po sa ating healthcare workers, nakakapag-provide na po ang Department of Health ng iba't-ibang benepisyo batay sa mga existing na batas sa ating bansa,” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing on Thursday, Dec. 29.
A total of ₱1,449,974,155.21 were given for the special risk allowances of 73,711 health workers under “Batch 5 and 6,” said Vergeire.
Moreover, a total of 27,899 beneficiaries were granted sickness and death compensation amounting to ₱421,255,000.
The DOH has also given health emergency allowances (previously known as one Covid allowance) amounting to ₱12,216,968,813.57 to “eligible healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers,” said Vergeire.
Vergeire assured the health workers of the continuous distribution of their benefits.
“Tayo po ay patuloy na magbibigay benepisyo para sa ating mga healthcare workers alinsunod sa mga batas ng ating bansa, (We will continue to provide benefits for our healthcare workers in accordance with the laws of our country),” the DOH said.
“Ang mga karagdagang pondo para sa mga benepisyong ito ay kasalukuyang nakikipag-ugnayan po ang ating Kagawaran sa Department of Budget and Management
(The Department is currently coordinating with the Department Budget and Management for the additional funds for these benefits),” she added.