PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act (RA) 11215, institutionalizing a national integrated cancer control program to prevent cancer and improve cancer survivorship.
Duterte signed RA 11215, or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, on February 14, as he recognized that cancer is "one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines."
The new law is aimed at scaling up essential programs and increasing investments for robust prevention of cancer; better screening; prompt and accurate diagnosis; timely and optimal treatment; responsive pallative care and pain management; effective survivorship care; and late effects management and rehabilitation.
"The state shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which includes the strengthening of integrative, multidisciplinary, patient and family centered cancer control policies, programs, systems, interventions and services at all levels of the existing health care delivery system," the law states.
The national integrated cancer control program wil serve as the framework for all cancer-related activities of the government.
The program aims to lower overall mortality and impact of all adult and childhood cancer; lessen the incidence of preventable cancer; prevent cancer recurrence and among survivors; provide timely, affordable, accessible, and improved cancer treatment and care; support recovery and reintegration to socciety of cancer survivors; and eliminate various forms of burden on patients.
RA 11215 also establishes a National Integrated Cancer Control Council, which will serve as the policy-making, planning and coordinating body on cancer control.
The council, attached to the Department of Health (DOH), is tasked to provide technical guidance and support and oversee the implementation of the law, ensuring "judicious and best use of available resources for the benefit of all."
The council will be chaired by the Health Secretary. A vice chairperson will be elected by non ex-officio members and will serve for a term of three years.
Members include Social Welfare, Labor, and Local Government secretaries; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation president and chief executive officer; Food and Drug Administration director general; two medical doctors; and three representatives from cancer-focused patient support organizations.
The council is directed to formulate policies, programs and reforms that enhance the synergy among stakeholders and ensure a well-coordinated, effective and sustainable implementation of the provisions of RA 11215.
The law orders the DOH, local government units, and other concerned government agencies to strengthen the capability of public health systems and facilities, provision of services, and continuum of care.
The Health Secretary, in coordination with the council, is also mandated to develop standards to classify, accredit, and designate comprehensive cancer care centers, specialty cancer centers, stand-alone specialty cancer centers, regional cancer centers, and cancer satallites or stand-alone clinics.
The new law also creates a Cancer Assistance Fund that will be managed by the DOH to support the cancer medicine and treatment assistance program.
A copy of RA 11215 was released by the Palace on Tuesday, February 19. (SunStar Philippines)