DOH: 3 million women each allocated P287 for reproductive health

Under the Department of Health's proposed P301 billion budget for 2023, three million women of reproductive age were each allocated P287 for their reproductive health needs.

DOH Undersecretary Beverly Ho made the response upon the questioning of Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, who is the author of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012.

"We have earmarked P863 million for reproductive health and family planning commodities (contraceptives), an increase from the previous year's P585 million," Ho said.

This was in addition to the P50 million budget for reproductive health promotion and communication campaigns related to family planning.

"This [P50 million] includes grants to LGUs (local government units) for setting up adolescent and sexual reproduction friendly health services," Ho added.

Lagman, however, said that the P863 million reproductive health budget covering three million women would only mean P287 per woman of reproductive age.

"This [P287] is annually. Do you think this is sufficient?" Lagman asked.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that an increase would be welcomed.

"Considering that we are basing it per capita, P863 million is not enough, but there are also other factors. There are also other agencies and development partners providing support to us, that is why we have asked for this amount," Vergeire said.

"But if we will be given additional funding, it would be beneficial for our women," Vergeire added. — DVM, GMA News