The Department of Management (DBM) has approved the release of some PHP8.005 billion to cover cash requirements of the Department of Health (DOH) for the implementation of its key health programs, including the medical assistance to indigents and health emergency allowance of health and non-health workers.

In a news release Tuesday, the DBM said the amount would be utilized for the provision of Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapaciated Patients (MAIP) with an allocation of PHP2.439 billion, and for the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) for Healthcare and Non-Healthcare workers with an allocation of PHP5.566 billion.

Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the issuance of the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for the purpose on May 3.

“As we have committed, we will continue to support programs that seek to uphold the welfare of our kababayans (countrymen),” Pangandaman said.

“The directive of President Bongbong Marcos has been very clear since day one — priority shall be given to healthcare. At kasama po diyan ang pagkalinga sa mga pasyente at mga manggagawa sa healthcare sector (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, as well as drugs, medicines, and professional fees, among others.

Meanwhile, PHEBA covers all healthcare workers’ benefits, including Health Emergency Allowance (HEA)/One Covid-19 Allowance (OCA), Special Risk Allowance (SRA), Covid-19 Sickness and Death Compensation, and other benefits, such as meals, accommodation, and transportation allowance. (PNA)