P62 billion COVID-19 allowances for health workers remain unpaid

MANILA, Philippines — Over P62 billion worth of Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) remains unpaid to health care workers (HCWs) who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

“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.”

In order to reduce the amount payable to health workers, the DOH last Sept. 4 formally requested from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the amount of P25.9 billion.

The DBM on Oct. 13, 2023 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.

It likewise said that as of Nov. 3, 2023, 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 deployed in low-risk areas should get P3,000, P6,000 for medium-risk areas and P9,000 for high-risk areas.