The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday, April 16, that it has received P91 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
This funding is specifically designated for the disbursement of Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (HEA), along with Covid-19 sickness and death compensation.
The amount, DOH said, is intended for the payment of benefits and allowances from July 1, 2021 to July 20, 2023.
DOH explained that these funds have been allocated for various purposes, including the Special Risk Allowance (SRA), Meals, Accommodation, and Transportation (MAT) benefits.
The coverage period for SRA and MAT benefits extends from February 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, said DOH.
Meanwhile, the health agency noted that a portion of the allocated amount, P14.2 billion, has already been disbursed to the Centers for Health Development (CHDs) specifically for the payment of SRA and MAT benefits.
It also stressed that all these funds have been fully disbursed to healthcare workers (HCWs), ensuring that there are no outstanding payments.
On the other hand, for the disbursement of HEA benefits, DOH has released P76.8 billion to various healthcare entities, including CHDs, DOH hospitals, Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (TRCs), and other associated agencies across regions.
Out of this, it said that P75.7 billion is dedicated solely to HEA.
DOH underscored the importance of expediting the release of funds to health facilities and highlighted the necessity for private and local government-owned hospitals and health facilities to fulfill documentary requirements.
Based on DOH directives, these facilities must execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DOH before the transfer of funds can occur.
Moreover, DOH stressed that compliance with COA Circular No. 2012-001 is important as it specifies that no additional funds can be transferred until previous disbursements are fully liquidated or properly accounted for.
DOH disclosed that this regulatory requirement ensures transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds.
The DOH, through its CHDs, stands prepared to expedite the release of funds upon compliance from private and local government-owned hospitals with the requisite MOA and liquidation processes.