Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH Administrative Order No. 2015-0009)
The main objective is to provide a national policy that guides national and local actions towards the implementation of the Health and Wellness Program for Senior Citizens to promote their health and improve their quality of life.
A senior citizen or elderly is any Filipino citizen who is 60 years old or above, including those with dual citizenship who prove Filipino citizenship and residency of at least six months in the Philippines.
The Order covers all units and instrumentalities including attached DOH agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), professional organizations, private sector, senior citizen organizations, and other relevant health sector partners.
It is mandated under Article II Section IX of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that the State shall adopt a comprehensive approach to health development prioritizing the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children.
The four pillars are: 1) Fostering age-friendly environments; 2) Promoting healthy aging and preventing functional decline; 3) Reorienting and strengthening health systems to meet senior citizens' needs; 4) Strengthening evidence-based policy and decision-making on aging and health.
The six program components are: 1) Policy, Standards and Regulation; 2) Health Financing; 3) Service Delivery; 4) Human Resources for Health; 5) Health Information; 6) Governance for Health.
The DOH central office is responsible for developing systems, policies, guidelines to facilitate implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and developing regional office personnel capacities for assisting LGUs.
LGUs are to organize into service delivery networks, implement health and wellness activities for senior citizens, pass local legislation supporting the program, and provide counterpart funding for its investment plan.
PhilHealth is tasked to develop appropriate and relevant health service packages for senior citizens to ensure accessible and equitable health financing.