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Advocates Philippines
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Signs Landmark 'Regional Specialty Centers Act' To Bolster Healthcare Accessibility
Photo credit: PCO
In a significant stride towards improving healthcare accessibility and quality across the nation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave his seal of approval last Thursday(August 24,2023) to Republic Act (RA) No. 11959, commonly known as the "Regional Specialty Centers Act." This groundbreaking legislation aims to lay the groundwork for the establishment of specialized healthcare centers in various regions, ensuring that affordable and top-notch medical services are available to all citizens.
The law, a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2212 and House Bill No. 7751, successfully passed through a rigorous legislative process, culminating in the adoption of the bicameral conference committee report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on May 31, 2023. Following this triumph, President Marcos signed the bill into law, setting in motion the transformation of healthcare provisions nationwide.
Named "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 Therefor," RA 11959 outlines a comprehensive framework for the establishment of specialty centers within Department of Health (DOH) hospitals in each region, along with specialized facilities owned or operated by government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs).
The law places special emphasis on addressing critical areas of medical care, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care, and burn care. In addition, the specialty centers will also cater to orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose, and throat care.
In line with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan, RA 11959 classifies specialty centers into three distinct tiers based on their service capabilities: National Specialty Centers (NSCs), Advanced Comprehensive Specialty Centers (ACSCs), and Basic Comprehensive Specialty Centers (BCSCs). This stratification seeks to streamline healthcare services and ensure that the right level of care is available to patients in different regions.
Furthermore, the law mandates that the establishment of these specialty centers adhere to rigorous guidelines set forth by the Department of Health. These guidelines encompass factors such as hospital upgrades, evidence of healthcare needs and demands, service capabilities, and geographic accessibility.
Crucially, the legislation also underscores the importance of considering the role of specialized healthcare providers, the availability of skilled medical professionals, and the operational and financial performance of DOH facilities when establishing specialty centers. This comprehensive approach aims to create a healthcare ecosystem that is both robust and sustainable.
To ensure the effective implementation of the law, the Department of Health is tasked with promulgating the necessary rules and regulations within 60 days of the law's effectivity. These regulations will be developed in consultation with National Specialty Centers, DOH hospitals, and other stakeholders, further ensuring a collaborative and well-informed approach to healthcare improvement.
The law, a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2212 and House Bill No. 7751, successfully passed through a rigorous legislative process, culminating in the adoption of the bicameral conference committee report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on May 31, 2023. Following this triumph, President Marcos signed the bill into law, setting in motion the transformation of healthcare provisions nationwide.
Named "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 Therefor," RA 11959 outlines a comprehensive framework for the establishment of specialty centers within Department of Health (DOH) hospitals in each region, along with specialized facilities owned or operated by government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs).
The law places special emphasis on addressing critical areas of medical care, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care, and burn care. In addition, the specialty centers will also cater to orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose, and throat care.
In line with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan, RA 11959 classifies specialty centers into three distinct tiers based on their service capabilities: National Specialty Centers (NSCs), Advanced Comprehensive Specialty Centers (ACSCs), and Basic Comprehensive Specialty Centers (BCSCs). This stratification seeks to streamline healthcare services and ensure that the right level of care is available to patients in different regions.
Furthermore, the law mandates that the establishment of these specialty centers adhere to rigorous guidelines set forth by the Department of Health. These guidelines encompass factors such as hospital upgrades, evidence of healthcare needs and demands, service capabilities, and geographic accessibility.
Crucially, the legislation also underscores the importance of considering the role of specialized healthcare providers, the availability of skilled medical professionals, and the operational and financial performance of DOH facilities when establishing specialty centers. This comprehensive approach aims to create a healthcare ecosystem that is both robust and sustainable.
To ensure the effective implementation of the law, the Department of Health is tasked with promulgating the necessary rules and regulations within 60 days of the law's effectivity. These regulations will be developed in consultation with National Specialty Centers, DOH hospitals, and other stakeholders, further ensuring a collaborative and well-informed approach to healthcare improvement.
Aug 29, 2023
