The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PHP1.081 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) for the grant of sickness and death benefits to public and private healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs in health facilities who contracted or may contract coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in line of duty for this year.
Specifically, HCWs and non-HCWs who contracted mild or moderate Covid-19 infection will receive a compensation of PHP15,000 while those who fall under the severe or critical case will be compensated for PHP100,000.
A million peso is allotted for the family of HCWs and non-HCWs who died due to Covid-19 while in line of duty.
The identification of Covid-19 classification of eligible HCWs and non-HCWs shall be based on the criteria set by the health department under DBM-DOH Joint Circular No. 2022-0002.
The funds were charged against the regular budget of the DOH under the fiscal year 2022 General Appropriations Act.
The compensation will thus be transferred by the DOH to DOH-retained and corporate hospitals, DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers, and Centers for Health Development, among other attached agencies and institutions.
The DBM will continue to ensure the timely and prudent approval of the budget releases to safeguard the welfare of the frontliners as the country bounces back from the impacts of the health crisis. (via DBM)