To strengthen the health care services nationwide, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has confirmed an increased allocation of P28.58 billion for the implementation of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The amount is higher by 6.6% from the P26.81 billion allocated fund in 2023.
“Patunay lang po ‘yan na talagang seryoso po ang ating gobyerno na pagbutihin ang health services sa bansa. As the President said in his last SONA, we are increasing our public health facilities both in number and in capability. And so, we will ensure that this program will get a much-needed support,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
The Budget Secretary also emphasized that the continuous support for the program, implemented by the Department of Health, is part of the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, where Filipinos have access to quality primary health care in adequately manned centers throughout the country.
“Naintindihan po natin na maraming Pilipino ang umaasa sa mga pampublikong ospital at pagamutan, that’s why it’s important that our health facilities are prepared and equipped to cater to the needs of our kababayans. ‘Yan po ang salamin ng isang Bagong Pilipinas” Secretary Pangandaman added.
The HFEP’s total allocation shall be used for the construction, upgrading, or expansion of government healthcare facilities nationwide. The allocation will also allow the purchase of hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles.
The program will give priority to Universal Health Care (UHC) sites and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS), along with upgrading essential facilities for robust response measures to COVID-19 and other future public health emergencies that may arise, equipping, and facilitating ongoing project construction.
