More funds for DOH hospitals

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bon Go urges the government to allocate more funds for the Department of Health (DOH) hospitals to cater to more poor Filipinos and address their healthcare needs.

During Thursday’s deliberation, November 7, 2024, on the 2025 budget of the Department of Finance, Go said there are 72 DOH-operated hospitals that have been experiencing shortage in budget, particularly in their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

“We are still very far to the full implementation of the universal healthcare while the funds are stocked in PhilHealth. Filipinos are pitiful.

“This would enable us to progressively realize universal healthcare in the country and to ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare,” Go said. Go had also denounced PhilHealth’s action in returning its excess funds to the national treasury and he urged the agency to use its funds to expand healthcare coverage for poor Filipinos. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)