The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, March 19, announced that a substantial amount of P76.1 billion has been released to cover the health emergency allowance (HEA) for eligible public and private health workers, as mandated by Republic Act No. 11712.
In a statement, DOH emphasized the release of funds, addressing 8,549,207 claims from July 1, 2021, to July 20, 2023, marked a significant step in supporting frontline workers during the ongoing health crisis.
Meanwhile, in the fiscal year 2024, the DOH said that the General Appropriations Act (GAA) allocated P9.9 billion for HEA under programmed appropriations.
It has distributed P9.7 billion, which accounts for 99 percent of the allocated amount, to all eligible health facilities.
However, to settle outstanding arrears filed by these facilities, an additional P27 billion is required.
To ensure compliance with legal requirements and proper fund utilization, the DOH, in collaboration with its Centers for Health Development across regions, has been actively engaging with private and local government unit (LGU)-owned hospitals and health facilities.
Based on the law, it said that the DOH must establish Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) and await full liquidation of HEA funds by these hospitals before further disbursements can be made.
The Department has compiled a list of hospitals and health facilities with outstanding liquidation requirements, emphasizing the importance of adherence to legal protocols for fund utilization.
Collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) remains integral to facilitating the timely and efficient disbursement of HEA to deserving health workers, it said.
"We continue to work hand-in-hand with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to grant HEA to all eligible health workers. We are ready to release the funds as soon as the concerned private and LGU hospitals comply with the law that requires liquidation," said the DOH.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/16/group-lauds-release-of-covid-19-benefits-for-gov-t-health-workers