MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) bared a plan to establish one medical specialty center in each region in the country within five years.
This developed after the House of Representatives and the Senate ratified House Bill 7551 and Senate Bill 2212 also known as the “Regional Specialty Centers Act,” giving the agency direct supervision of and control over specialty centers to be established in identified hospitals in each region.
“This Act is a significant milestone in moving forward with the Universal Health Care Law and in further protecting and promoting the Filipino’s right to health and instilling health consciousness.” said DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a statement.
The proposed law seeks to establish 231 specialty centers across the regions and regional branches of the Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine Cancer Center.
“Upon the enactment of this Act, the DOH will establish at least one specialty center in every region within five years based on the area’s top burden of disease and special needs,” the DOH said.
The DOH gave assurance that the establishment of specialty hospitals will adhere to the set guidelines on planning and prioritizing health facilities, and that these facilities will provide quality health services by employing trained expert personnel and medical specialists, as well as appropriate equipment.
With the establishment of the Act, the DOH will provide accessible and affordable specialized health services for more communities across the country, boosting the implementation of the UHC Law.
Earlier in the week, the Senate on third and final reading approved the proposed creation of specialty centers in local hospitals across the country.
Last month, the House of Representatives approved a counterpart measure for the regional specialty centers.
The DOH said it is prepared to implement provisions of the proposed measure as soon as it is signed into a law.
“The DOH extends its gratitude to the Senate and House of Representatives for their support in the establishment of specialty centers in various regions in the country,” Vergeire said.