DOH Statement | 16 April 2024

As of April 16, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) has received a
total of ₱91 billion from the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM), intended for the payment of the Public Health Emergency
Benefits and Allowances (HEA and COVID-19 Sickness and Death
Compensation) covering the period July 1, 2021 to July 20, 2023, and
also Special Risk Allowance (SRA), and Meals, Accommodation, and
Transportation (MAT) benefits, covering the period February 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021.

Out of this ₱91 billion, ₱14.2 billion has been sub-allotted to
Centers for Health Development (CHDs) for the payment of SRA and MAT
benefits, all of which have been fully disbursed to HCWs, with no
arrears.

For the grant of Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances, the
DOH has already released a total of ₱76.8 billion to the Centers for
Health Development (CHDs, i.e. regional offices), DOH hospitals, TRCs,
and other attached agencies in the regions, ₱75.7 billion of which is
for HEA. The available funds allocated to the CHDs are now being
processed for release to health facilities.

CHDs have been closely working with private and local government unit
(LGU)-owned hospitals and health facilities for the completion of
their documentary requirements for the said benefits. The law requires
that these non-DOH facilities execute a Memorandum of Agreement or MOA
with the DOH before fund transfers can take place.

Once the private and LGU-owned hospitals have a MOA with DOH CHD, the
DOH can then start transferring HEA funds to them. However, COA
Circular No. 2012-001 requires that no additional funds can be
transferred unless the previously transferred funds are fully
liquidated or a proper accounting thereof is made.

DOH (through its CHDs) is ready to release the funds as soon as the
concerned private and LGU hospitals will comply with the law that
requires a MOA and liquidation.

Meanwhile, the HEA data dashboard is available via
https://doh.gov.ph/HEADashboard/. This transparent report is based on
individually approved claims that can be traced back to health workers
waiting for the much needed fresh funds (PhP 23.4B to pay for 4.3M
claims).