Law Summary
Role of Government Health Institutions
- The law acknowledges the function of government hospitals, charity clinics, health centers, and dispensaries.
- These institutions prioritize healthcare services for the financially underprivileged segments of society.
Importance of Socio-Economic Investigations
- The Department of Health conducts socio-economic investigations to ascertain the financial conditions of patients.
- These investigations are performed by the Department's field health units.
- The effectiveness of these investigations can be enhanced with the cooperation of municipal and city treasurers.
Mandate to Municipal and City Treasurers
- All municipal and city treasurers are ordered to issue certificates of indigency.
- Issuance must align with the classifications set forth in Republic Act No. 747 and Executive Order No. 578 (March 24, 1953).
- The certificates are intended to facilitate patients' access to benefits under these laws.
Authorization to Collaborate with Other Government Agencies
- Municipal and city treasurers are empowered to seek assistance from other government agencies.
- The purpose is to accurately determine the income of patients for proper classification under the relevant laws.
Legal Authority and Effective Date
- The order is promulgated under the legal powers vested in the President of the Philippines.
- It was issued on November 20, 1961, in Manila.