The Department of Health has apologized over the public outrage on its Php500 daily allowance for health workers amid the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said that they are fixing measures to increase the compensation of health volunteers at the forefront of the disease.
“Humihingi rin po kami ng tawad kung ang impresyon na naibigay ng P500 daily allowance ay ganito lamang ang halaga na binibigay natin sa ating health care workers. Hindi po ito mas lalayo pa sa katotohanan,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.
The health official, however, explained that the allowance rate was the standard allowance set during outbreak response.
“‘Yang P500 po na ‘yan ay inilagay sa ating protocol. Allowance po ‘yan na inilagay natin para merong pang-araw araw ang ating health care workers. Ito po ay binase namin sa allowance na ibinigay namin sa volunteers sa nakaraang mga outbreak response,” she added.
The DOH asked for volunteers to help in the pandemic fight. They will be given a Php500 daily allowance during their month-long volunteer service.
The department said that accommodation and food will be provided but no additional benefits. A compensation package will be given should the health worker contract the disease.
“Ang majority ng budget ay napupunta sa PPEs. Ngayon nabigyan ng supplemental budget inaayos ang paghahati ng pera para mapaglaanan ng mga bagay tulad ng compensation para sa health workers, pag–aayos ng benefit packages,” Vergeire said.
Ano ba ang qualificasyon kailangan para magvolunteer? Nursing graduate? Yong mga Physical Therapy graduate/board passer can they volunteer ang get paid? how many number of hours per day magtatrabaho ang mga volunteer?