Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8191)
The short title of Republic Act No. 8191 is the "National Diabetes Act of 1996."
The Act declares that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people, instill health consciousness, and prioritize the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children.
It is a commission created by the Act composed of nine members, including healthcare professionals, researchers, social scientists, a diabetic person with public service record, and representatives from NGOs and academe, tasked with overseeing diabetes prevention and control.
The Undersecretary for Public Health Services serves as the ex officio chairperson of the Commission.
The Commission shall assess the social and economic impact of diabetes, evaluate national resources for its prevention and treatment, and formulate the National Diabetes Prevention and Control Plan.
It is a long-range plan aimed at preventing and controlling diabetes mellitus through strategies such as awareness campaigns, early detection screening, research, socio-economic support, coordinated healthcare systems, and participation of LGUs and NGOs.
The Department of Health (DOH), through its Office of Public Health Services, is responsible for the implementation of the Plan.
The Commission shall cease to exist and be reconstituted as the Oversight Committee for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes, which continues oversight functions attached to the DOH.
It shall exist for five (5) years after its organization, after which its functions devolve to the DOH.
The necessary funds shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment and thereafter.
The Secretary of Health must promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for effective implementation of the Act within 90 days from its approval and oversees appointment and honoraria of Commission members.
Yes, the separability clause states that if any provision is declared invalid, the remainder of the Act shall remain in full effect.
All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, administrative orders, and their implementing rules inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.