DOH releases P76-billion health emergency allowance

The Department of Health has issued a total of P76.1 billion to pay the health emergency allowance (HEA) to public and private health professionals in compliance with Republic Act No. 11712 as of March 19, 2024.

“This is to pay for 8,549,207 claims from July 1, 2021, to July 20, 2023,” the health department said in a statement.

The agency said that for Fiscal Year 2024, the General Appropriations Act gave only P19.9 billion for HEA under programmed appropriations, of which the DOH has already released 99% or about P19.7 billion.

“The DOH still requires an estimated P27 billion to pay for arrears filed by the health facilities,” it added.

Through its regional Centers for Health Development, DOH has collaborated with hospitals and health facilities operated by private and local governments.

The Department maintains a list of hospitals and health facilities with outstanding liquidation obligations.

“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 will comply with the law that requires liquidation,” DOH noted.

The Republic Act No. 11712, also known as the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, is a benefit for frontline workers who rendered services at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic were provided under the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2). — BAP, GMA Integrated News