DBM: P22.98B earmarked for DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday said it had allocated P22.98 billion for the Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) under the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget.

This will be spent on building, upgrading, and expanding government-run healthcare facilities across the country. 

"The proposed budget for FY 2024 reflects our commitment to strengthening the fundamental pillars of our healthcare system," Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement. 

“With an allocated P22.98 billion, DOH's HFEP will continue to lead the way in scaling up the nation's healthcare facilities, a crucial aspect underpinning the realization of the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA)," she added. 

The allocation will also allow the purchase of hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles, the DBM said.

The program will give priority to Universal Health Care (UHC) sites and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS), along with upgrading essential facilities for robust COVID-19 response measures and facilitating ongoing project construction and equipage.

In his Budget Message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “We will sustain our efforts in strengthening government healthcare services to safeguard the population from future health crises.”

“By investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, expanding healthcare access, and deploying healthcare professionals, we can provide high-quality care and respond effectively to any future health emergencies,” said Marcos. —VBL, GMA Integrated News