DOH: 26 bereaved families of COVID-positive health workers have received P1-M benefit

The families of 26 healthcare workers who succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have already received the P1 million benefit mandated by law, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

Thirty-two healthcare workers in the Philippines have died from COVID-19 after contracting it in the line of duty to date.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that among the six remaining families, four are still finalizing the necessary documents before they can receive the check.

“Ang dalawa naman po na natitirang pamilya ay nasa labas ng bansa at kasalukuyan pang inaayos kung sino sa kanilang mga kamag-anak dito sa Pilipinas ang maaaring tumanggap ng check on their behalf,” she added.

Meanwhile, 10 from the initial list of 42 healthcare workers considered to be severe COVID-19 cases have already received their P100,000 benefit.

The DOH is currently processing four other checks and waiting for 10 more to submit the complete documents.

“Ang mga iba ay napag-alaman natin, base sa kanilang mga medical abstract, na hindi pa sila severe cases kaya hindi po sila eligible to receive the benefits,” Vergeire said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier set June 9, Tuesday, as the deadline for the distribution of the death and sickness benefits for health workers infected with COVID-19. 

A total of 2,734 COVID-19 cases among health workers have been recorded as of June 7, including 1,557 recoveries and 32 deaths. — BM, GMA News