COA flags deficiencies in P17-B DOH infra projects

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Audit (COA) has found several deficiencies in the implementation of over P17.27 billion worth of Department of Health (DOH) infrastructure projects involving the construction and upgrading of health-care facilities across the country.

It noted that the projects were either “delayed,” “idle or unutilized,” “underutilized,” “not used for its intended purpose,” “not yet started,” or “unimplemented,” or had “poor structural maintenance.”

The findings were part of COA’s 2025 annual audit report on the DOH, where it reviewed the implementation of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

COA said the HFEP, one of the DOH’s banner programs, is meant to assist government health facilities provide quality health care through the allocation of capital outlay for the construction of health infrastructure and procurement of medical equipment.

A review of HFEP-funded infrastructure projects as of December last year, however, showed several deficiencies.

READ: COA notes P242-M idled equipment for still-unfinished gov’t hospitals

Among these was the delayed implementation of over P11.71 billion worth of infrastructure projects. Of this amount, the National Capital Region (NCR) had the highest allocation, with 14 delayed infrastructure projects worth a total of P8.44 billion, with delays ranging from 203 days to over nine years. 

Reasons for the delays, according to the report, include DOH personnel occupying construction areas, delays in obtaining necessary permits, changes in architectural and engineering plans, pending litigation, and lack of coordination among stakeholders.

Aside from delayed implementation, COA also flagged P3.13 billion worth of infrastructure projects that have not started, most of which were located in Western Visayas.

According to the report, 187 infrastructure projects worth P3.01 billion in Western Visayas had not yet started.

Among the reasons were ongoing preparation or revisions of architectural and engineering designs and schematic plans, as well as rebidding activities, late issuance of HFEP guidelines, frequent changes in project site locations and delays in submission of documents regarding lot ownership.

The report also flagged over P1.17 billion worth of infrastructure projects that remain unutilized or non-operational.

The Bicol region had the biggest share at P310.81 million, which was caused by a lack of essential equipment and staff.

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The state auditor also found underutilized projects worth P1.11 billion. Of this amount, the biggest share of P600.42 million went to Zamboanga City Medical Center for the construction of a five-storey building, which was underutilized due to a lack of manpower and equipment.

In addition, P113.88 million worth of infrastructure projects were found to have poor structural maintenance. This includes 14 completed projects in Zamboanga worth P98.39 million that all require repairs.

According to the report, the structures have deteriorated due to lack of use, as well as lack of maintenance and poor workmanship. Electrical wiring also needs repair and replacement due to theft.

COA further noted that there were P39.67 million worth of infrastructure projects that were not being used for its intended purpose, including birthing homes in the Soccsksargen region used as barangay health stations, and an ambulance bay in Western Visayas Medical Center used as a parking area by employees.

As part of its recommendations, the state auditor urged the DOH to submit monthly performance and financial reports of its infrastructure projects, and deployed technical teams that can provide assistance to concerned local government units.

The DOH has yet to issue a statement regarding the COA findings.

But in the COA report, the DOH said it will issue administrative orders to provide stricter and more comprehensive policies on implementing and monitoring projects funded under HFEP. /gsg