Headline
Duterte signs 4 laws establishing, upgrading hospitals
MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed into law four bills seeking to establish and upgrade local hospitals in the country.
The newly-signed measures are Republic Act No. (RA) 11702, which establishes the Southern Luzon Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Tayabas City; RA 11703 which establishes the Samar Island Medical Center in Calbayog City; and RA 11705 which establishes the Ilocos Sur Medical Center in Candon City.
Duterte also signed RA 11704 which increases the bed capacity of the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (DPJGMRMC) in Cabanatuan City from 400 to 1,000 beds.
DPJGMRMC is home to a Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop where indigent patients and those who are financially incapacitated can avail of financial and medical assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
Under the law, the existing professional health care services and facilities of the DPJGMRMC are also upgraded to conform with and be commensurate with the increase in bed capacity.
The existing workforce of the DPJGMRMC, which includes doctors, nurses, and support personnel, must also be increased correspondingly.
The Secretary of the DOH, must, after consultation with the chief of the DPJGMRMC, and in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management and the Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, determine the additional new positions to be created and filled up.
All laws were signed on Saturday and copies of the documents were released to reporters on Monday.
In a press statement, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded Duterte for signing these laws meant to improve the delivery of healthcare services in various parts of the country.
“The necessity to equip and upgrade our government health institutions is underscored as we face the Covid-19 pandemic. It is also our responsibility as legislators to push for measures to address the lack of adequate facilities and equipment in our government hospitals, particularly at these critical times,” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said.
Jocel Ramos
April 19, 2022 at 10:40 AM
Wow! Magandang balita po ito. Malaking tulong po ito sa ating mga kababayan ba nagangailangan ng serbisyong medical at gayun din ang mga doktor at medical workers.
Sonny Ramirez
April 20, 2022 at 8:11 AM
This is what we need right now, and for the future, big thanks and kudos to our president Duterte for signing this law for the better and quality health care facilities and of course it could create more job and opportunities for our nurses so that they won’t leave the Philippines because as we all know a lot of our nurses are more likely find job abroad. Health is wealth so government should prioritize our health care services. Especially during this time of pandemic and even not pandemic government should upgrade our hospital facilities and equipment.
Jessabell Advincula
April 20, 2022 at 10:13 AM
This was a great contribution to our countries hospitals and health. It will be a big help to people who seeks medical help and those indigent people who lacks support on medical help. By this 4 laws it can entertain more people and make sure their health are monitored and check. It is a big help on upgrading and advancing the health issues we are facing which is one of that is the lack of beds for patients and lack of hospitals.
Carissa Noviem Eule
April 20, 2022 at 11:11 PM
That’s a great news! Upgrading hospitals would be beneficial especially on the current situation we have due to covid-19. Increasing hospital’s bed capacities also means accomodating additional number of patients who need immediate medical attention. With that, they can easily get the medical treatment they need and lessen the hassle in searching for the available hospital to accomodate them.
Gladys Amigo
April 21, 2022 at 8:31 AM
Kudos to the outgoing administration! I, myself, am a Medical Frontliner and I feel happy everytime I hear and read good news related with the healtcare system in the country. Honestly, all I wanted for this country is to have a better healthcare system by promoting equality in every Filipino and I guess the Duterte Administration let that happen.
Vee-Jay Lee
April 21, 2022 at 9:01 AM
Great news, as the COVID-19 is still active and causing problems, resulting in further lockdowns and various forms of them. Furthermore, with the authority of the law, upgrading hospitals would be brilliant for all frontline workers, as we approach from many circumstances.
Abundio Mendoza
April 21, 2022 at 9:35 AM
Thank you Mr.President..Malaking tulong nama upgrade ang capacity ng mga hospitals para marami ma accomodate na pasyente..Sana mas marami pang batas ang maipasa regarding health.Salamat po.