The House Committee on Health chaired by Batanes Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr. approved the substitute bill to House Bills 288, 444, 975, 1565, and 5804, authorizing the Department of Health (DOH) to set and approve the bed capacity and service capability of all DOH-retained hospitals.
In his opening remarks, Gato said that the measure would help improve the timely delivery of health services, as it seeks to streamline the process of approving such changes in DOH hospitals.
“The bill will also provide for the necessary increase in budget allocation and healthcare personnel.”
Baguio City Representative Mark Go, author of HB 975, clarified that the bill would also provide for the necessary increase in budget allocation and healthcare personnel.
As stated in the bill, there would be the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan to guide the modernization and development plans, as well as to access capital outlay investments in accordance with the Health Facilities Enhancement Program.
DOH Health Facility Development Bureau Director Ma. Theresa Vera expressed full support for the bill’s approval.
“Many DOH hospitals operate beyond their capacity to be able to serve more patients, causing overwork and insufficient resources for their operations and maintenance.”
Vera noted that many DOH hospitals operate beyond their capacity to be able to serve more patients, causing overwork and insufficient resources for their operations and maintenance.
The panel likewise passed several local bills, which would establish, upgrade, and convert hospitals in various municipalities.
