THE Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Health (DOH) will roll out more health projects beyond those funded in the 2024 national budget and the proposed 2025 budget.
The secretaries of finance and health met on September 30 to discuss funding support for the DOH’s additional health projects.
These projects include the P14.31 billion Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), which covers the provision of infrastructure, medical equipment and transport vehicle support to local government units, DOH hospitals, centers for health development and other health facilities.
Another is the Philippine Health Laboratory System worth P136 million which will support the laboratory functions of the DOH in implementing disease surveillance.
It also provides proficiency training in areas such as RT-PCR, biosafety and biosecurity, drug testing, water analysis, HIV testing and evaluation of in-vitro diagnostic medical devices kits and reagents.
The P292.03 million Regulation of Regional Health Facilities and Services supports the operations of the Center for Health Development Regional Licensing and Enforcement Division.
Also included in the lineup of projects for funding is the hiring of immunization vaccinators worth P315.72 million who will conduct immunization sessions and collect immunization data for the attainment of the 95 percent fully immunized child indicator.
The P467.2-million funding for the Health Promotion Program focuses on increasing health literacy, developing and implementing the Health Promotion Framework Strategy and executing health promotion policies and programs.
The International Health Policy Development and Cooperation worth P10.10 million will strengthen collaboration with international health partners.
The P10- million Health Facility Policy and Plan Development will improve health services by formulating policies and developing standards for the establishment, development, management and operation of health facilities across the country.
The pharmaceutical management initiative worth P20 million will implement the National Drug Policy, conduct policy studies and make recommendations to enhance access to medicines.
On top of these, DOH is pushing for the implementation of the Health Sector Governance and Strategy Management (P65.1 million), Regulation of Health Establishments and Products (P61.32 million), Provision of Quarantine Services and International Health Surveillance (P30.17 million), Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (P1.16 billion) and the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 I (P102.66 million).
The DOF also secured financing for the P27.92 billion Philippines: Health System Resilience Project Phase One, which was recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board.