The Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Health (DOH) are working together to enhance health services for Filipinos by securing funds for new projects beyond those in the 2024 national budget and proposed 2025 budget. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa recently met to discuss funding to support a range of essential health initiatives.
Key projects on the table include:
- Health Facilities Enhancement Program (PHP 14.31 billion) – Supports infrastructure, medical equipment, and transport for local government units, DOH hospitals, and health centers nationwide.
- Philippine Health Laboratory System Operations (PHP 136 million) – Enhances disease surveillance and lab capabilities in testing and evaluation for health and safety.
- Regulation of Regional Health Facilities (PHP 292.03 million) – Ensures quality and compliance of regional health facilities through monitoring, technical assistance, and consultations.
- Hiring of Immunization Vaccinators (PHP 315.72 million) – Targets the Fully Immunized Child indicator, improving immunization outreach and data collection.
- Health Promotion Program (PHP 467.20 million) – Focuses on raising health awareness and implementing policies under the Health Promotion Framework Strategy.
Additional DOH projects include the International Health Policy Development and Cooperation initiative, which fosters partnerships with global health organizations, and Pharmaceutical Management efforts to improve access to essential medicines.
The DOF has also facilitated funding for the Health System Resilience Project Phase One (PHP 27.92 billion), recently approved by NEDA. This project will enhance health emergency response in 17 identified provinces, particularly in underserved areas.
“These initiatives are aligned with our 8-point Action Agenda for advancing universal health care across the country,” Secretary Herbosa said, commending the DOF for its continued support.
Earlier this year, the DOF secured funding for the PHP 27.5 billion pandemic benefits and allowances for health workers, settling claims for over 10.64 million frontline workers through the reallocation of unused funds from government-owned corporations.
The DOF and DOH remain committed to expanding health services and promoting the well-being of all Filipinos.
