The Department of Budget and Management has approved the release of some P8.005 billion to cover cash requirements of the Department of Health for the implementation of its key health programs, including the medical assistance to indigents and health emergency allowance of health and non-health workers.
The DBM said the amount would be used for the provision of Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIP) with an allocation of P2.439B, and for the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) for Healthcare and Non-Healthcare workers with an allocation of P5.566B.
Budget and Management Sec. Amenah Pangandaman approved the issuance of the Notice of Cash Allocation for the purpose on May 3.
“We will continue to support programs that seek to uphold the welfare of our countrymen,” Pangandaman said.
“The directive of President Bongbong Marcos has been very clear since day one – priority shall be given to healthcare. This includes caring for patients and workers in the healthcare sector,” she added.
MAIP is used for the hospitalization and medical support of indigent and financially incapacitated patients including but not limited to in-patient, out-patient, comprehensive check-ups, and emergency services; and drugs, medicines, and professional fees.
PHEBA covers all healthcare workers’ benefits, Health Emergency Allowance/One Covid-19 Allowance, Special Risk Allowance, Covid-19 Sickness and Death Compensation, and other benefits, such as meals, accommodation, and transportation allowance. – PNA
