(Photo courtesy of SMC)
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said funds for the country's pandemic response were all accounted for as it vowed to comply with the recommendations of the Commission on Audit (COA) and release of healthcare worker's Special Risk Allowance (SRA).
Since releasing its findings, the COA has clarified that the report does not mention any funds lost to corruption.
The DOH is given 60 days to comply with the recommendations, and report actions it has taken on the use of PHP67.3 billion pandemic fund.
"Gaya ng sinabi ko noon, bukas na bukas po ang aming tanggapan upang makipagtulungan sa COA upang mapabuti pa ang aming mga proseso at mapagsilbihan ng mas mabuti ang ating mga kababayan (Like what I've said, our office is open for coordination with COA for the improvement of processes to better serve our fellowmen),” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
Duque has also ordered the distribution of the SRA within 10 days.
"Dapat maibigay ang SRA ng mga healthcare workers natin na hindi pa nakakatanggap nito. Patuloy natin sisiguraduhin na makuha ng ating healthcare workers ang kanilang mga benepisyo na naayon sa ating batas (We will make sure that our healthcare workers get the benefits according to the law)," Duque said.
Since the audit finding, the DOH Centers for Health Development has been coordinating with the local government units and public and private hospitals for the submission of the remaining list of healthcare workers eligible for SRA.
The DOH is also coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management for the release of funds for health care worker benefits and the procurement of medical supplies. (PNA)
