THE Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, April 3, 2021, repeated its call to healthcare workers (HCWs) to immediately avail themselves of a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

As of April 1, a month after vaccinations began in the country, only 760,938 HCWs, or 43 percent of the country’s 1.76 million HCWs, have received the first dose.

Less than one percent, or 10,007, have received the full regimen of two doses.

"With the observed high hospital admissions coupled with increasing cases among our frontliners, the DOH calls on remaining HCWs to get their Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible," DOH said in a statement.

The DOH assured that through the One Hospital Command, it was facilitating admission of HCWs infected with Covid-19 to hospitals or isolation facilities.

Infection control units of each hospital have started investigations to find sources of infection and contain the spread of the disease.

The DOH also said it has augmented hospital resources by downloading funds to the hospitals for the hiring of additional personnel and purchase of medicines.

Moreover, the DOH assured that the processes of releasing salaries and benefits, including the active hazard duty pay (AHDP) and special risk allowance (SRA), were being expedited.

"The department is committed to providing all the needed support to protect those who protect us—whether through PPEs, vaccines, and benefits, among others," it said.

As of March 31, the DOH said it has allocated a total of P664.84 million for the AHDP and SRA of HCWs in 16 DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila, and a total of P876.51 million for their meals, accommodation, transportation and life insurance.

DOH records show that 15,990 HCWs have contracted the virus as of April 1. Of the total, 15,264 have recovered, 82 had died and 644 are active cases. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)