Families of 29 health workers who died due to COVID receive mandated compensation
The Department of Health (DOH) said that the families of 29 healthcare workers who died while fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have already received their mandated compensation.
“Naibigay na po ang cheque sa 29 na heirs. Tatlo na lamang po ang gagawin natin ngayong araw para makumpleto po ang listahan natin at maibigay ang benepisyo na iyan [The cheques have been given to the 29 heirs. There are only three remaining which we will accomplish today to complete our list and provide that benefit],” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during the “Laging Handa” press briefing Saturday.
The Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” grants 11 million to the families of healthcare workers who died while combating the pandemic, and 1100,000 to healthcare workers with “severe” COVID-19 infection.
The DOH said that 32 healthcare workers have died while 79 others had severe COVID-19.
“With regards to those who had severe symptoms at mabibigyan ng 1100,000, yung database po namin ng 79 workers ay naka-ayos na rin po (Our database for the 79 workers who will receive 1100,000 has already been arranged),” said Vergeire.
“Maybe in the coming days maibibigay na rin po natin agad-agad itong compensation na ito [Maybe in the coming days we will be able to give this compensation right away],” she added.
President Duterte on Friday gave the DOH until Tuesday, June 9, to distribute the said benefits. Health
Secretary Francisco Duque III has vowed that they will comply with the deadline. Duque blamed his staff over the delay in releasing the compensation.
The Health chief, meanwhile, acknowledged that it is still his responsibility. “While I expressed disappointment towards some members of my team, I acknowledge that this is still my responsibility as SOH (Secretary of Health),” he posted on his Twitter account.
“I will make sure that we comply with the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, with proper documentation and identification of HCWs (healthcare workers),” he added.
Earlier, the Senate hit the DOH over the delayed distribution of the said benefits for healthcare workers. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III urged Duque to immediately act on the matter.