Department of Health (Philippines) INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2023
The acceptance of application for GIP Batch 21 for January to March Internship Period will be on December 5-9, 2022.
The DOH Government Internship Program aims to provide wider training and opportunities among the youth geared towards acquisition and/or application of knowledge and skills in the workplace. The experience introduces the youth to public service which can later help them as they eventually join the workforce.
The DOH traces its historical roots from its predecessor in 1898, the Department of Public Works, Education, and Hygiene. After World War II, the department underwent several name changes and reorganizations until 1986.
By 2010, the DOH launched the Universal Health Coverage program as the new health platform in the Philippines. Aside from developing health programs, the department also creates health policies and regulates the healthcare industry.
The DOH has the fourth-largest share of the national budget as of the Fiscal Year 2021. The Philippine government allotted Php210.20 billion, primarily for COVID-19 response and measures.
The culture
Insiders said that understaffed teams at the DOH lead to overworked employees. Health crises such as the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 also increases the occupational hazards for front liners.
For this reason, fresh grads should be ready to cope with the challenges of an unequal work-life balance. Many employees work during weekends and holidays, aside from rendering long hours.
Despite the challenges, insiders described the workplace environment as productive with friendly colleagues. Some insiders said that if the DOH were to hire them as permanent employees, they wouldn’t hesitate to come back.
Controversy
Several senators called for an investigation of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) corruption scandal in 2020. Thorsson Montes Keith, former PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer, said that the officials allegedly stole around Php15 billion of funds.
Social contributions
In 2021, the DOH partnered with the British Cambridge College for a series of resilience workshops. The sessions aim to strengthen Filipino healthcare professionals’ mental and emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vibe of the place
Successful candidates at the DOH should prepare a contingency plan once they accept a job offer. There’s no guarantee that the department may renew employment contracts after the stated duration.
New hires should also have the right mindset and physique to overcome challenges, particularly health risks during unprecedented times.
