DBM releases P306.6 M to DOH

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P306.6 million to the Department of Health (DOH) for the upgrade of healthcare facilities across the country.

The release is part of the government’s implementation of the Aquino administration’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

In a statement, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the funds would be used to upgrade various hospitals and rural health units across the country.

Of the amount, the DOH has allocated P182.7 million for buildings and structure outlay and P123.9 million for expenses related to hospital machinery and equipment.

It will be charged against the “Continuing Appropriations” item under the 2011 National Budget, Abad said.

“In improving our public hospitals and rural health centers, we can extend the reach of our healthcare services and offer high-quality medical treatment to those who need it most,” Abad said.

The government’s HFEP aims to boost healthcare services in government hospitals and regional health centers.

Under the program, the DOH would upgrade facilities for obstetric and newborn health services.

The Budget department has allotted P7.14 billion for the program under the 2011 budget, of which the department has so far released P6.87 billion.