DOH) undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. PHOTO

Department of Health (DOH) undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire disclosed that an additional P3.6 billion funds for the special risk allowance (SRA) of healthcare workers has been requested.

Vergeire said on Wednesday, said the health department last April made the request to the Department of Budget and Management. We are just waiting for DBM’s response.

“Yun naman po kanilang special risk allowance and hazard pay, humingi po tayo ng karagdagang pondo sa atin pong DBM,” she said.

Vergeire statement came after groups of health workers threatened to go on mass resignation as they appealed for the release of their benefits.

She pointed out that the release of the benefits to healthcare workers has to undergo a process.

According to Vergeire, the DOH on June 30 downloaded P9 billion to its regional offices and hospitals for SRA.

The requested funds will be used for the benefits of healthcare workers who submitted their requirements beyond June 30, she added.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the DOH to prioritize the payment of allowances and other benefits due to the country’s health workers amid protest of some groups over delayed pays.

On Friday last week, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said he will look into reports that some healthcare workers have not yet received their special risk allowance even for the year 2020.