Health workers in Misamis Occidental received their health emergency allowance (HEA) on Sunday, following a consultative meeting with Governor Henry Oaminal, Sr.
The HEA received by healthcare workers covers eight months of service during the COVID-19 pandemic: from October to December in 2021; June to July, and September to November in 2022.
Addressing the health workers, Oaminal expressed his gratitude for their selfless service and sacrifice at the frontlines of the pandemic.
“We are thrilled that our dedicated health service frontliners will finally receive their dues. The release of the HEA marks a victory for all of you who have tirelessly battled against the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Governor Oaminal.
Government and public support for healthcare workers “must continue to improve” according to Oaminal. “It’s a timely discussion, as we commemorate this month the national Health Workers’ Day.”
The Republic Act No. 10069 enacted in 2010 designated May 7 of every year as the Health Workers’ Day, a special working holiday dedicated in recognition to the role and contribution of health workers in the country.
“A robust healthcare system necessitates that we also ensure our health workers are properly recognized and supported,” said Oaminal.
The governor emphasized the importance of upholding the standards of quality health service, aligning with his provincial administration’s vision of 5Ms, or the “Misamisnons Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon (Misamisnon Live Peacefully, Progressively, and Happily).”
“Previously, our hospitals lacked medicines and doctors. This was the usual scenario and the most common issue we faced, which I sought to address immediately upon assuming office as your governor,” he shared.
“Over the past 2 years, we have addressed the shortage of medical personnel, increased nurses’ salaries, benefits, and allowances, improved hospital services, infrastructure of medical facilities, and other necessities,” Oaminal added.
Additionally, provincial records show that the total disbursement for medicines for the provincial government’s five public hospitals reached almost P48 million in 2023, six times more than the P7 million total disbursement in 2022. This year, Misamis Occidental’s allocation for medicines amounted to P68 million.
“We will continue to facilitate better funding for our health services — this way, we ensure that care is accessible and within reach of every Misamisnon, and of course, so that we can lighten the burden of our own health workers,” Oaminal concluded.
