Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has addressed a recent Commission on Audit (COA) report that flagged PHP405 million worth of idle medical equipment. The DOH clarified that the report was based on 2024 data and does not account for the progress made in 2025.
According to Philippines News Agency, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa explained that the COA's audit observation covered equipment procured in 2024 under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), which remained idle, unutilized, undelivered, or uninstalled by the end of that year. Herbosa emphasized that the report was released in 2025, allowing time for implementation.
The audit had noted that PHP405.545 million worth of equipment, procured by various DOH Centers for Health Development and government hospitals, remained unused due to factors such as inadequate planning, lack of site readiness, defective parts, delayed procurement actions, and insufficient trained personnel to operate the equipment.
Herbosa contested claims of poor planning, highlighting that health projects undergo rigorous vetting before budget approval. He stated that a detailed province-wide investment plan for health is mandatory before budget requests are made. These proposals are reviewed by DOH regional directors, the central office, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) before being included in the National Expenditure Program.
Herbosa also pointed out that implementation delays often occur due to the involvement of various entities, including local government units (LGUs), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and DOH regional offices. Delays in construction can hinder the installation of equipment.
He further clarified that government spending operates on a two-year budget cycle, allowing for continuing appropriations when funds are released late in the year. Herbosa noted that budget utilization has significantly improved, with the department returning only around PHP800 from its 2025 budget, compared to about PHP800 million in 2024.
Under the Marcos administration, the DOH has received substantial budget increases, with record allocations in the 2026 national budget aimed at expanding hospital capacity, upgrading facilities, and strengthening universal health care.
