DOH, DBM coordinate to release health workers’ benefits

MANILA – The Department of Health said Sunday it is in close coordination with the Department of Budget and Management for the release of funds for health care worker benefits and procurement of critical medical supplies.

It made the statement amid reports that some health care workers have not received their Special Risk Allowance (SRA).

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the national agencies have all been working tirelessly together,” the DOH said. “The Department thanked the DBM for prioritizing the processing of funds for health care worker benefits.”

DOH also recognized it needs to further improve inter-agency coordination and communication to further streamline processes among its operating units and ensure dispatch in providing the benefits of health care front-liners.

On Aug. 12, DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said PHP8.8 billion funds for the SRA of public and private healthcare workers caring or in contact with coronavirus disease 2019 patients have already been released.

Vega said there are about 400,000 public and private health care workers, both contractual and plantilla (regular positions).

Administrative Order (AO) No. 42 authorizes the continued grant of Covid-19 SRA which was previously provided in AO 36 last year.

The fund will be sourced from the PHP13.5 billion appropriated under health-related expenses related to Covid-19.

The DBM shall release the funds for the payment of the SRA, according to AO 42 signed in June 1.