Following recent reports that some healthcare workers (HCWs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) were only given one day to pass requirements for their hazard pay, the DOH extended the deadline in question to December 11, 2020 at 5:00PM.

 

Earlier today, the DOH Center for Health Development (CHD) in NCR participated in a dialogue with HCW union leaders and the Hospital Industry Tripartite Council facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment. Acknowledging the limited number of working days left in the year to process the HCW benefits, parties have agreed to move the deadline to the end of the week.

 

The DBM-DOH Joint Circulars Nos. 1 & 2 s. 2020, which provides guidelines on the grant of Active Hazard Duty Pay (AHDP) and Special Risk Allowance (SRA), sought to streamline the requirements for the provision of the benefit to our HCWs. CHDs nationwide are ready to assist hospitals and other health facilities in their compliance with these guidelines.

 

The DOH reminds implementing units, including hospitals and health facilities, to be more facilitative in the processing of these benefits. While hospitals and other health facilities may request additional requirements and impose deadlines with a view to expediting the release of AHDP or SRA, these impositions should not unduly burden our HCWs.

 

Ultimately, the DOH recognizes the invaluable contribution of our valiant health workers in the fight against COVID-19 and is committed to providing the compensation and benefits accorded to them under Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.