The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have issued Joint Circular No. 2022-0002 on the release of Php 1.08 billion for the sickness and death compensation of eligible personnel assigned in all public or private health facilities involved in COVID-19 response, who were infected by the virus and/or died while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic while in the line of duty.

These include both medical and health allied personnel who provide direct health care to patients, and also technical, administrative, and support staff within the health facilities. Personnel may be occupying a regular, temporary, coterminous, contractual or casual position, on full-time or part-time basis. Clinical consultants, resident physicians, and fellows in training are included. Also included are duly accredited volunteer workers, including but not limited to swabbers, vaccinators, encoders, bar coders, contact tracers, and ambulance drivers, as well as Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) members and barangay health workers (BHWs) provided they are assigned to health facilities or health-related establishments.

The coverage period is from January 1, 2022 until the state of public health emergency throughout the country is lifted. The amount of Php 15,000.00 shall be provided to those who were ill with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, and Php 100,000 for severe or critical cases. Meanwhile, Php 1,000,000 will be provided as compensation for the legal heirs left behind by those who have died in the line of duty. The grant is one of the government’s core initiatives to recognize the invaluable services of personnel who have provided direct patient care and related support services to protect and save Filipino lives from COVID-19.

To ensure equity and proper distribution, beneficiaries shall receive compensation following completion and submission of key requirements listed in the Joint Circular. Claims evaluators will be assigned to advocate for applicants and to ensure the most convenient means of compliance to the requirements. Those who wish to apply for the compensation are requested to approach the head of their respective office/health facility to know more about their eligibility and the next steps. For convenience and to minimize physical contact, all claimants are advised to provide a working email address where the processing units shall send all official communications and notices regarding the claim. Claimants may call 1551 (toll free within NCR) or 09177877343 (standard rates apply) for any questions or concerns.

The DOH has already processed over PhP 323 million to facilitate the payment of at least 20,100 sickness and death compensation claims under this 2022 issuance, through its Centers for Health Development. DOH is working closely with DBM to release the funds for the payment of the 2020 and 2021 COVID Compensation Claims. “Our pandemic response would not be possible without the healing hands and loving hearts of our health care workers and support staff who dedicated their all for every Juan and Juana throughout these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. By giving them the benefits they deserve, we hope to solidify our gratitude in addition to the pride and honor we have for them all the time,” said DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.