The government will earmark around PHP22.98 billion for the improvement of the country’s health facilities and services in 2024, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the DBM said the budget is included in the proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

“The HFEP’s total allocation — PHP22,983,872,000 in all — will be specifically directed towards building, upgrading, and expanding government-run health care facilities all across the country. The allocation will also allow for the purchase of hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles,” it said.

The DBM said the HFEP aims to prioritize the Universal Health Care sites and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.

It said the program is also focused on upgrading essential facilities for robust coronavirus disease 2019 response measures and facilitating ongoing project construction and equipment.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the proposed budget would help improve nationwide healthcare standards, in light of the recent issues hounding the healthcare system.

“The proposed budget for FY (fiscal year) 2024 reflects our commitment to strengthening the fundamental pillars of our healthcare system,” Pangandaman said.

“With an allocated PHP22.98 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,” she added.

The DOH implemented the HFEP with the main goal of improving the delivery of basic, essential as well as specialized health services.

The project envisions revitalization of primary health care facilities and the rationalization of the various levels of hospitals to decongest end-referral hospitals.

In his 2024 Budget Message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of fortifying the nation’s health infrastructure to sustain his administration’s efforts in strengthening government healthcare services to protect Filipinos from future health crises.

Marcos said the government could provide high-quality care and effective response to any future health emergencies by investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, expanding healthcare access and deploying healthcare professionals. (PNA)