By JEN BAYLON

The Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for medical workers in provincial and district hospitals in Negros Occidental remains unreleased.

Randy Peacita, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees, said the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has yet to download the HEA for health workers at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City; and district hospitals in the cities of Cadiz, La Carlota, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay, as well as in the municipalities of Hinoba-an, Valladolid and Isabela.

Peacita said the unclaimed HEA pertains to service periods from August to December 2021 and January to July 2023.

The HEA amount varies based on exposure risk, with those working in COVID-19 facilities eligible for up to P9,000 monthly, while workers in non-COVID facilities can receive P6,000.

Peacita noted that other health personnel in the Provincial Health Office and private hospitals have already received their allowances.

The delay in releasing the HEA has sparked frustration among healthcare workers, who have been advocating for the immediate release of their overdue compensation.

The DOH has acknowledged compliance issues at some hospitals regarding documentation required for disbursement, which has contributed to the delays.

As of now, many frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are still waiting for their due benefits.

Health workers continue to call for urgent action from local government units to secure funding and expedite the release of the HEA./JB, WDJ