MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) reported that more than P62 billion worth of Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) remains unpaid to health care workers (HCWs) who served during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The remaining arrears for C.Y. 2021-2023 amounts to P62.2 billion,” the DOH said in a statement. “The estimated arrears for request for HEA covers the period of July 1, 2021 up to July 20, 2023.”
The DOH last September 4 formally requested from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the amount of P25.9 billion in order to reduce the amount payable to health workers.
On October 13, 2023, the DBM issued the release of P4 billion for the payment of HEAs.
“This amounts to 16 percent of the requested amount, thus still falling short in the fulfillment of the entire funding request from operating units,” said the DOH.
The health department though said it has already ordered the fund transfer of P4 billion to the concerned regional offices, hospitals and health care facilities.
“The DOH encourages all health facilities to coordinate with their respective regional health offices in submitting the required documents (e.g. memorandum of agreement, liquidation reports and requirements for disbursements) to ensure the timely release of HEA,” the DOH noted.
As of November 3, 2023, it was said that it has already released a total of P50,555,284,869.50 for HEA.
Of the amount, 90.07 percent, or P45,532,813,132.35, have been released to health workers.
“During this period, a total of 6,789,044 claims have been processed,” said the DOH.
The Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowance for Health Care Workers Act established the provision of HEA to eligible health care workers.
Under the law, health care workers are entitled to HEAs for every month of service while the country is under the state of public health emergency.
Those stationed in low-risk areas should be paid P3,000, those in medium-risk areas should be paid P6,000, and those in high-risk areas should be paid P9,000.
