DBM to release additional P1B to DOH

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to release an additional P1.014 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) to improve government-owned health facilities.

In a statement yesterday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the amount would fund the upgrade of health services in the country as part of efforts to meet the country’s commitment to fulfill to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly the target to improve maternal health and reduce children mortality rates.

Abad said the upgrade would improve the overall delivery of health services in the different parts of the country.

“Apart from accomplishing the MDG commitment, the funding for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH is aligned with the President’s agenda of ensuring the rural poor’s access to healthcare services,” Abad said.

The additional fund release is also part of the government’s social development plan in line with the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Under the CCT program, recipients need to get maternal and immunization services “to reverse important social key indicators of poverty.”

Prior to the P1.014 billion release, the Budget department also earlier released P4.567 billion for the same program of the Health department.

Total releases amounted to P6.782 billion, while a balance of P360.9 million remains for the program.

The P1.014 billion funding will cover facilities upgrade of rural health units in Regions IV-A, IV-B and V, the Budget department said.

The upgrade will particularly cover the costs of infrastructure and equipment in health facilities in these areas.

“The Aquino government recognizes the importance of providing safe and efficient health services. Public health is one of the main concerns of the administration, and that is why we are funding the necessary upgrade of these rural health institutions so the citizens, especially those who belong to the poor sector, will receive proper healthcare. Safe and efficient healthcare should not be a privilege but a right of every Filipino,” Abad said in the statement.