Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11478)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 11478 is to increase the bed capacity of the Bicol Medical Center from 500 to 1,000 beds, upgrade its service facilities and professional health care services, authorize the increase of its medical workforce complement, and appropriate funds for these purposes.
Before RA No. 11478, Bicol Medical Center was authorized to have 500 beds. After the enactment of the law, the authorized bed capacity was increased to 1,000 beds.
The Secretary of Health is responsible for implementing the increase in bed capacity of the Bicol Medical Center, consistent with the hospital's development plan.
The upgrade of the hospital facilities and professional health care services should conform with and be commensurate to the increase in bed capacity as provided in the law.
The Secretary of Health, upon consultation with the management of Bicol Medical Center and in coordination with the Secretary of Budget and Management and the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, determines the additional plantilla positions to be created and filled.
The Chief of the Bicol Medical Center is required to develop a hospital development plan reflecting the hospital's development goals, consistent with the increase in bed capacity and service capability, and submit it to the Department of Health.
The funding for the implementation of RA No. 11478 shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and immediately included in the Department of Health's programs.
If any provision or part of RA No. 11478 is declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
RA No. 11478 amended Republic Act No. 8053, which originally converted the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital into Bicol Medical Center and defined its functions and powers.
RA No. 11478 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.