Sen. Bong Go urges DOH, DBM to compensate volunteer health workers

Senator Bong Go urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to use available funds to properly compensate and equip volunteer health workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Go suggested engaging volunteers on a contract of service basis, similar to job orders, to provide them with a daily rate comparable to government-employed health workers.

He explained that under this arrangement, volunteers would also be eligible for hazard pay and a proposed additional risk allowance.

Go estimated that a volunteer licensed nurse could receive approximately P1,200 daily, plus P500 for hazard pay and another P500 for risk allowance, totaling around P2,200 per day.

Volunteer doctors could receive a daily rate similar to their regular salary grade, while unlicensed nursing graduates might receive around P1,000 daily plus allowances.

The DOH had initially offered volunteers an allowance, food, accommodation, and insurance, with 593 health workers already signing up.

Go also emphasized the need for the DOH to expedite the procurement of test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment (PPEs) for hospitals.

He stressed that beyond compensation, providing essential tools and protection is crucial for the health sector's response to the pandemic.

Go called on government agencies to listen to the concerns of frontliners to effectively address the health emergency.