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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Group lauds release of Covid-19 benefits for gov't health workers

Group lauds release of Covid-19 benefits for gov't health workers

Published Mar 16, 2024 12:48 pm

After a relentless two-year battle, health workers in Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and the Department of Health (DOH)-retained health workers have triumphed in securing their long-overdue health emergency allowances (HEA) covering the period from January to July 2023.

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Photo credit to Alliance of Health Workers Facebook page

In a statement released on Saturday, March 16, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) confirmed that health workers from GOCCs received their allowances on March 13, while those from PGH received theirs on February 22, and the DOH-retained hospital received theirs earlier in the second week of February.

The AHW hailed this development as a significant victory for the dedicated individuals who have been at the forefront of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

AHW said these allowances, which were promised but previously unpaid, serve as recognition of the sacrifices made by health workers who risked their lives to provide care and support to patients.

The AHW congratulated the unions, health workers, and other organizations that tirelessly advocated for the release of these allowances.

It also highlighted that its unity, collective action, and unwavering determination compelled the DOH, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Marcos Jr. government to honor their commitment.

Benefits for private, LGU hospitals remain unreleased

However, the fight for fair compensation is far from over, according to AHW.

The HEA for health workers in private and LGU hospitals remained “unreleased,” highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the broader healthcare community.

Moreover, the AHW emphasized that the success of this struggle was dedicated to the late Jose "Joey" Espanillo, a pioneering figure in the healthcare sector.

It underscored that Espanillo's leadership and advocacy for health worker rights have left an indelible mark on the movement for fair treatment and support.

“We proved once again that indeed, our strength is in our unity; our success is in our collective action," AHW said. "Long live genuine, militant, and patriotic unionism among the health workers," it added.

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GOCC HEALTH WORKERS BENEFITS PGH DOH
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