PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure seeking the establishment of health care centers in regions amid the government’s bid to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services for every Filipino.
Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11959 or “An Act Establishing Specialty Centers in Department of Health Hospitals in Every Region and in Government-owned or Controlled Corporation Specialty Hospitals and Appropriating Funds Therefore,” on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
RA 11959 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2212 and House Bill No. 7751.
Under the law, the Department of Health (DOH) is mandated to establish specialty centers in its hospitals in every region and in government-owned and controlled specialty hospitals, prioritizing cancer, cardiovascular, lung, renal, brain and spine, trauma and burn care, and kidney transplant.
Also among the priority list were orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric and neonatal care, dermatology and eye, ear, nose, and throat care.
The DOH was also tasked to categorize the level of service capability of the specialty centers as National Specialty Centers (NSCs), Advanced Comprehensive Specialty Centers (ACSCs), and Basic Comprehensive Specialty Centers (BCSCs) pursuant to the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.
The measure also emphasized that the establishment of specialty centers shall adhere to the guidelines set by the DOH on planning and prioritizing health facilities based on the upgrading of hospitals, evidence of the health needs and demands, and service capability of hospitals and geographic or physical access.
The appropriate level of specialized healthcare provider role in the continuum of care; the availability of competent health human resources for specialized healthcare; and the operational and financial performance of the DOH facilities should also be considered in setting up specialty centers.
Implementing rules and regulations of the law shall be promulgated by the DOH, in consultation with the NSCs, DOH hospitals and other stakeholders, within 60 days from the effectivity of the law.
The law will take effect 15 days from its publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation.(SunStar Philippines)