DOH-6: No threat of mass resignation by health workers in WV

The Department of Health (DOH-6) on Monday, Aug. 16, said they have not received any information so far about the threat of mass resignation by nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers in Western Visayas.

“Hopefully, indi na kita mag-abot sa amo sina nga sitwasyon. Gani as early as possible, maistoryahan naton sang aton mga different parties involved ang welfare sang aton mga healthcare workers diri sa aton sa Region VI,” Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, DOH-6 spokesperson, said in a press briefing.

Natalaray advised those who have concerns related to their salaries and benefits to go to the proper authorities.

“We know ang importansya sang aton healthcare workers subong sa aton COVID-19 battle, so importante gid nga mahatagan man solusyon ang ila nga mga ginapangayo kag ginapa-clarify sa aton management,” Natalaray stressed.

Meanwhile, the DOH clarified the the grant of the COVID-19 Special Risk Allowance (SRA) “covers both public and private health workers who are directly catering to or are in contact with [infected] patients.”

Specifically, those eligible to receive the COVID-19 SRA, based on Joint Circular No. 2 series of 2020 of the DOH, are public health workers assigned in hospitals, laboratories or medical and quarantine facilities and private health care workers assigned in designated COVID-19 units of hospitals, laboratories, or medical and quarantine facilities as certified by DOH.

Also qualified are health care workers who physically report for work at their assigned work stations on the prescribed official working hours, as authorized by the head of office which placed them in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.

“The grant of SRA not exceeding P5,000 per month that they are physically on duty is in recognition of the health workers’ heroic and invaluable contributions by being at the forefront of the national effort to address this COVID-19 pandemic,” the DOH-6 said.

According to the region’s health department, there was a delay in releasing the SRA in some areas “due to the late submission of documentary requirements among others, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) from LGUs and other health facilities to facilitate the transfer of funds and the actual payment.”

“The COVID-19 has also affected some personnel which hampered the processing of documents,” the DOH-6 added.IMT