Press Release - DOH cites increase in HEA claims after series of Senate public hearings conducted by Bong Go; healthcare workers thank senator for giving them avenue to air concerns

In a public hearing on Tuesday, August 20, conducted by the Senate Committee on Health, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that the number of Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) claims significantly increased as a result of the series of hearings led by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go.

The hearings have provided a crucial platform for healthcare workers to voice their concerns, leading to a noticeable uptick in the submission of appeals for unpaid allowances. In response, a healthcare workers group expressed their gratitude to Go, acknowledging his persistent efforts to address their long-standing issues.

During the hearing, Go expressed deep concern over the persistent delays in the release of HEA payments. He stressed that despite multiple hearings and promises from the DOH and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), many healthcare workers are still waiting for their allowances.

"Ang target po nila ay by October. At ang concern ko po dito until now, na 'yung mga darating pa, mga hindi pa nakikita, marami pa rin sumisigaw... HEA pa rin sila ng HEA," he said, emphasizing the need to ensure all qualified healthcare workers receive the HEA due to them for services rendered during the pandemic.

"Sabi ko, ipaparating ko po sa inyo. 'Yan naman ang ating pangako sa mga kababayan nating health workers na iparating natin ang hinahing at hindi po ako titigil dito," Go added.

While acknowledging the progress made as DBM and DOH continue to reconcile records and expedite release of HEA, Go also recognized that much work remains to be done, particularly in addressing the appeals of other healthcare workers who claim to have yet to receive their emergency allowances.

Go then opened the floor to Ronald Ignacio, spokesperson for the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines, asking him to share other ongoing concerns of healthcare workers.

Ignacio acknowledged that the hearings have indeed made a difference, particularly in the processing of HEA claims. "Ngayon, napansin nga po namin, gumalaw na po 'yung Health Emergency Allowance... lalung lalo na po dun sa mga members po namin sa United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines."

He shared that some