The State of Public Emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic was lifted in July 2023, but more than 300,000 claims, amounting to P1.7 billion in Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for healthcare and non-healthcare workers in Central Visayas, remain unpaid.
The Department of Health- Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) 7 released its first update for Fiscal Year 2025 on March 10, 2025, via Regional Circular 2025-0029(1), detailing the outstanding payments.
The HEA, mandated under Republic Act (RA) 11712, the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowance for Health Care Workers Act, is intended for eligible public and private sector workers who served during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
The unpaid claims, totaling P1,706,707,250.25, represent 2,941 approved monthly claims from 173 health facilities.
These claims cover work rendered between July 1, 2021, and July 20, 2023, as mandated by RA 11712.
Reminder
The DOH-CVCHD 7 has reminded health facilities with pending claims to submit all necessary documents to expedite the process.
The 2024 memorandum of agreement for HEA remains valid for disbursements this year and in the future, subject to fund availability.
As of March 10, the DOH-CVCHD 7 has not received additional funding from the DOH Central Office to settle these outstanding claims.
The DOH Central Office is currently working with the Department of Budget and Management to secure the necessary funds nationwide. / CDF