The Department of Health (DOH) supports the call of medical professionals and health worker groups for a better COVID-19 response by households, communities, local and national governments.

The Department also reminded local government units to implement all the PDITR measures, do active finding of COVID-19 cases and close contacts, to lower the number of cases.

In line with the DOH’s enabling role, following the government’s national government-enabled, local government-led and people-centered response principle, the DOH, through its 17 Centers for Health Development (CHDs), continues to work closely with and support local government units primarily through augmentation of much-needed equipment, commodities and human resource for health (HRH).  As of August 27, the DOH has hired over 10,000 HRH for July to December 2021.

The Department is also coordinating with PhilHealth to fast track the release of claims of the 72 DOH Hospitals and the rest of the hospitals throughout the country, especially on major COVID-19 hospitals in regions and provinces in alert levels 3 and 4. Aside from previously released Php 14.3B worth of active hazard duty pay, special risk allowance (SRA), meals, accommodation and transportation (MAT) allowances, and insurance of health workers, the DOH is working double-time to distribute another round of benefits worth Php 888M, following the transfer of Department of Budget and Management (DBM) last September 06. The Department of Health is also lobbying for the inclusion of HCWs benefits in the GAA 2022.

The DOH also supported  the repeated appeal of health professional organizations to step up everyone’s practice of minimum public health standards as the country moves towards safely opening up and rebuilding our economy. Aside from diligently practicing the minimum public health standards of wearing a face mask and face shield, washing hands frequently, consciously observing physical distancing, avoiding crowded places, emphasis must also be given to ensuring proper ventilation or continuous airflow in indoor settings. Everyone is also enjoined to consciously choose safer activities and avoid these three Cs where COVID-19 spreads easily — closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close-contact settings.