By Brian Jules Campued
The national government’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) received higher funding under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Wednesday.
Pangandaman announced in a statement that a total of P28.58 billion was allocated for the implementation of the HFEP in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to boost the health care sector and services under his “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
The amount was higher by 6.6% compared to last year’s budget of P26.81 billion.
“As the President said in his last SONA, we are increasing our public health facilities both in number and in capability. And so, we will ensure that this program will get a much-needed support,” Pangandaman added.
The Budget Department said the total funding will be used for the construction, upgrading, or expansion of government-owned healthcare facilities nationwide as well as for purchasing of hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles.
Under the HFEP, Universal Health Care sites and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas will be given priority.
The program also aims to upgrade essential facilities to better respond to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other future public health emergencies that may arise.
“Naintindihan po natin na maraming Pilipino ang umaasa sa mga pampublikong ospital at pagamutan, that’s why it’s important that our health facilities are prepared and equipped to cater to the needs of our kababayans. ‘Yan po ang salamin ng isang Bagong Pilipinas,” Pangandaman said. – avds
