At A Glance
- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has set aside about P49.75 billion for the Department of Health (DOH) to fund medical units.<br>Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government aims to upgrade the capabilities of primary healthcare facilities.<br>President Marcos emphasized the importance of functioning DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and other medical centers nationwide to ensure the well-being of Filipino families during health crises.<br>The 2024 budget proposal for DOH's medical units is higher than the current year's General Appropriations Act (GAA). The proposed amount for next year is P49.75 billion, while this year's GAA level was P48.88 billion.<br>Changes and modifications in the Normative Financing of DOH hospitals, including the expansion of Specialty Centers, contributed to the budget increase.<br>The budget will be distributed to 68 hospitals across various regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions I to XIII.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said that next year’s proposed national budget will include funding for the upgrade of regional hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandama said about P49.75 billion would be set aside for the Department of Health (DOH) to fund the medical units.
The government aims to pursue its commitment to upgrade the capabilities of primary healthcare facilities, the DBM chief said.
Earlier, President Marcos stated the importance of having functioning DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and other medical centers across the nation.
He said this would help secure the physical and mental safety and well-being of Filipino families against future health crises.
The 2024 budget proposal for DOH’s medical units has been increased from this year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA).
In comparison, the GAA level for this year was at P48.88 billion, or P1.31 lower than the proposed amount for next year.
Pangadaman said this was due to the changes and modifications in the Normative Financing of DOH hospitals, including the expansion of Specialty Centers.
Moreover, the budget would be distributed to 68 hospitals across various regions in the country.
Included areas in the proposal are the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions I to X, as well as Regions XI to XIII.
“The allocation is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare facilities in the country, ensure the health of Filipino families, and to avoid another health crisis,” said Pangandaman.
Similar to this, the DBM has recently allocated P22.98 billion for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the DOH.
This would allow the health sector to scale up the nation’s healthcare system by building, reconstructing, and expanding the government-run facilities as well as purchase medical necessary equipments. (Gabriell Christel Galang)