By Pearl Gumapos
The Department of Health (DOH) is currently discussing with legislative bodies the possible liberal interpretation of the provisions of Bayanihan To Recover As One or Bayanihan 2.
“The DOH is now in the process of asking and discussing with legislative bodies if a liberal interpretation can be applied to the provision of the Bayanihan To Recover As One or Bayanihan 2,” President Rodrigo Duterte said during his public address to the nation on Monday (Aug. 30).
Said liberal interpretation will give way for the inclusion of not only health workers who directly cater to or are in contact with COVID-10 patients but also non-COVID-19 ward workers.
“The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released on Aug. 25 a total of P311.79 million to the DOH to cover the payment of special risk allowance (SRA) of public and private health workers. The DOH shall facilitate the downloading of the funds to the DOH-retained hospitals,” he said.
According to DOH Sec. Francisco Duque, the amount of P311.79 million has been downloaded to Centers for Health Development (CHDs).
P237.28 million SRAs have been disbursed to LGUs and private hospitals and P74.51 million SRAs are ready for distribution to LGUs and private hospitals.
“Bigyan natin ng parangal at pasasalamat ng taos puso ang ating mga manggagawang pangkalusugan sa walang sawang tumutugon sa panahon ng pandemya at sa pangangailangan ng ating kapwa Pilipino,” Duque said.
“Mabuhay po ang lahat ng ating manggagawang pangkalusugan,” he added. –rir
