Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10532)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10532 is the Philippine National Health Research System Act of 2013.
The State declares it as policy to protect and promote the right to health of the people, instill health consciousness among them, and improve the quality of life of every Filipino through health research and development initiatives.
Health is defined as a state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and the ability to function at the individual level.
The PNHRS is a framework anchored on principles of essential national health research focused on inclusiveness, participation, quality, equity, efficiency, and effectiveness, connecting and converging with the wider health, economic, political, educational, and science and technology systems of the country.
The objectives include ensuring health research is linked to health system needs, maximizing the benefits from health research investments, promoting good governance, engaging in partnerships for health research development, and ensuring sustainability of resources for health research.
The Governing Council is composed of the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Chair, the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) as Co-Chair, the Chair of CHED, the Chancellor of University of the Philippines Manila, the National Nutrition Council Executive Director, the PCHRD Executive Director, and five representatives from the private sector.
The Council sets policies for the PNHRS, approves long-term plans and programs, evaluates and approves the National Unified Health Research Agenda, reviews and approves or disapproves research programs, and creates committees as necessary to achieve its objectives.
PHREB ensures adherence to universal ethical principles in health research, formulates guidelines for ethical conduct, monitors ethics committees, provides advice on ethical issues, and networks with relevant organizations.
The PNHRS consists of the Governing Council, the Steering Committee, the Technical Working Committees (TWCs), and the Secretariat.
The PCHRD Secretariat, headed by an Executive Director, is responsible for the smooth implementation and oversight of PNHRS programs and projects.