A portion of collections from sin taxes will be used to repair hospitals and other health facilities in calamity-stricken areas in Central Visayas.
The amount would be coursed through the Department of Health (DOH).
The health department in Central Visayas received P68 million to help in the rehabilitation of different hospitals and health units in northern Cebu and Bohol which were damaged by recent calamities.
Sin taxes on cigarettes and alcohol was implemented last January 1. It is part of the government’s bid to boost finances wherein a large percentage of the collections will be funneled to government healthcare programs.
Assistant Regional Director Lakshmi Legaspi said the repair works will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“The distribution of the budget is in accordance to the needs and levels of hospitals,” said Legaspi.
In Bogo City, the DOH forged partnerships with different international organizations for repairs undertaken in health facilities. In Medellin, the repair of its rural health unit was funded and completed by Chong Hua Hospital and LH Foundation. The facility is now fully functional.
The health department is targeting the end of June to complete the repairs.