The Commission on Audit (COA) criticized the Department of Health (DOH) for delayed, idle, and unimplemented infrastructure projects under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) for 2024, totaling worth P14.52 billion.
According to the 2024 annual audit report, deficiencies in planning, coordination, procurement, and implementation caused delays and non-implementation of projects, which contradicts the HFEP's goal of expanding equitable access to quality health services nationwide.
The audit showed that P11.539 billion worth of projects were delayed or not completed on time, of which the largest portion came from the DOH Central Office, with nine contracts worth P8.61 billion. Causes of delays include continued occupation of construction areas, obtaining permits from LGUs, changes in architectural and engineering plans, litigation, and poor coordination.
Meanwhile, projects worth P619.532 million are idle or unused, due to lack of occupancy permits, insufficient personnel, equipment, and manpower, and non-submission of documents by contractors. Areas with idle projects include Southern Philippines Medical Center (Davao), Zamboanga CHD, Caraga CHD, Zamboanga Regional Medical Center, and Davao CHD.
In addition, there are P2.362 billion worth of projects not yet started until the end of 2024. The largest of these is in Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital (Region I), Western Visayas CHD, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and others. Reasons include poor procurement planning, delayed documents, multiple plan revisions, late release of funds, and failure to account for unforeseen disruptions.