Press Release | 1 September 2020
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, also known as Republic Act No. 11469, has provided critical support to healthcare workers (HCWs) valiantly containing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, in the forms of urgently needed equipment and hazard pay, as well as additional colleagues to bolster their ranks. Officially enacted from March to June 2020, the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act is a crucial core initiative of the Department of Health (DOH) to respond to the needs of HCWs.
The National Capital Region, Region III, and Region IV in particular have been classified as priority areas with elevated requirements for human resources for health (HRH) such as doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire expressed the department’s strong support for the medical frontliners who are continuing to put their lives on the line, in fulfillment of their duties. She said, “We will protect our healthcare workers as they have and will continue to protect us. We continue to dedicate all our resources and our efforts in providing them the support and assistance they need. We will also continue to rally the support of the rest of government to ensure that our healthcare workers are protected and sufficiently provided for.”
As of August 29, 73.86% of the DOH’s approved nationwide hiring slots have been filled. Region X recorded the highest number of HRH slots filled with 100%, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded 33.89%.
During the enhanced community quarantine, P47 million was allocated for the funding of Special Risk Allowances. From this amount, 55,366 healthcare workers received one-time SRA.
Moreover, 36 HCWs who contracted severe COVID-19 infections while on duty received P100,000.00 each, while 31 qualified beneficiaries of fallen healthcare workers were rewarded with a grant compensation of P1 million each.
The Bayanihan 1 also protected HCWs through the constant provision of protective equipment like face masks, PPE, shoe covers, and face shields. It also accorded them essential services like board and lodging, transportation, and regular COVID-19 testing.
Out of the P1.7 billion allotted for HRH hiring, P1.3 billion was allocated to health facilities such as DOH hospitals, COVID referral hospitals, and DOH-designated diagnostic facilities. In addition to this, P433 million is in processing for transfer to other health facilities with approved health personnel slots for hiring. The remaining P4 million is set aside for future designation.
With the immense importance of healthcare workers underscored now more than ever, the DOH is determined to further respond to their needs and struggles in the coming future by strengthening collaboration with concerned sectors including other national government agencies, the local government units, and the medical associations..
“Sa ating laban sa COVID-19, kailangan natin magtulungan. Tayo ay magkaisa upang matulungan ang ating mga healthcare workers at ang ating bansa”, emphasized Usec. Singh-Vergeire.