In light of the country's recent experience and ongoing commitment to healthcare reform, Department of Budget and Management's (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman confirmed an allocation of P22.98 billion for the health facilities enhancement program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH), with an aim to enhance nationwide healthcare standards.

"The proposed budget for FY 2024 reflects our commitment to strengthening the fundamental pillars of our healthcare system," Secretary Pangandaman highlighted.

"With an allocated P22.98 billion, DOH's HFEP will continue to lead the way in scaling up the nation's healthcare facilities, a crucial aspect underpinning the realization of the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA)," she added.

In the FY 2024 budget message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of fortifying the nation's health infrastructure, saying, “We will sustain our efforts in strengthening government healthcare services to safeguard the population from future health crises. By investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, expanding healthcare access, and deploying healthcare professionals, we can provide high-quality care and respond effectively to any future health emergencies.”

The HFEP's total allocation — P22,983,872,000 in all — will be specifically directed towards building, upgrading, and expanding government-run health care facilities all across the country. The allocation will also allow for the purchase of hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles.

The program will give priority to Universal Health Care (UHC) sites and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS), along with upgrading essential facilities for robust COVID-19 response measures and facilitating ongoing project construction and equipage. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)