DOH claims P276-M cash allowances flagged by COA already ‘settled’

The Department of Health (DOH) claimed it had already settled some P276 million in cash allowances which were flagged by state auditors in its 2020 audit report.

In a statement released Sunday, the DOH said it downloaded P2.4 billion to Centers for Health Development, DOH Hospitals, and specialty hospitals as provided for under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).

The Health Department said Bayanihan 2 entitles healthcare workers to meals, accommodation, and transportation benefits.

“To immediately distribute these benefits, given the challenges of providing actual meals to healthcare workers who do not follow regular break schedules, some hospitals and facilities opted to provide the benefits through cash, grocery vouchers, and the like,” it said.

“However, state auditors disagreed and recommended the return of the allowances already paid,” it added.

The P280 million is only part of the P67.32 billion in COVID-19 funds of the DOH flagged by the COA due to deficiencies, along with P95.15 million worth of drugs, medicines, and medical supplies, which either expired or were near expiry.

“The DOH took up the cause of our healthcare workers and requested the Office of the President for presidential imprimatur to allow the provision of these benefits in cash equivalents,” the DOH said.

The request was then granted by the Office of the President under a memorandum dated June 1, 2021, the DOH said.

Bayanihan 2 expired on June 30, with data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that there were some P266.169 million of unused funds allocated to the DOH.

“The DOH assures the public that it shall continue to defend the lawful provision of healthcare worker benefits, as these are granted in recognition of the individual sacrifice and service of our frontliners,” it said.

Healthcare workers have repeatedly protested the delayed release of their allowance, as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. — DVM, GMA News