Law Summary
Conversion and Bed Capacity Increase
- The Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARSRTTH) in Misamis Occidental is converted into a medical center named Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARSMC).
- MHARSMC will be under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).
- Bed capacity is increased from 150 to 500 beds.
- This bed capacity increase shall be implemented within four years from the Act's approval.
Objectives of MHARSMC
- Provide affordable, quality, timely hospital care prioritizing the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children.
- Offer free medical care to indigent citizens when resources are available.
- Develop the center into a world-class tertiary healthcare provider using modern medical technologies.
- Promote scientific research in disease prevention and patient care, including related activities such as scholarships and medical congresses.
- Engage in the training of health professionals such as physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and social workers.
- Provide medical services aligned with the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) objectives.
Upgrade of Facilities and Services
- Hospital facilities and services will be upgraded proportionate to the increased bed capacity.
- Upgrades must meet modern medical service standards and the institution's status as a medical center.
- MHARSMC must submit a hospital development plan to DOH, including possible specialty hospital expansions.
Appointment and Qualifications of Medical Center Chief
- The Medical Center shall be headed by a Medical Center Chief who:
- Is a licensed physician.
- Has at least five years of hospital administration and management experience.
- The Secretary of Health appoints the Medical Center Chief.
- The incumbent Chief of MHARSRTTH may serve as acting Medical Center Chief during transition if qualified.
Medical Center Chief's Functions
- Responsible for overall management and administration of MHARSMC.
- Formulates and implements policies, plans, programs, and strategies to ensure quality healthcare and clinical training.
Medical and Service Personnel Increase
- The number of medical, service personnel, maintenance, and operating expenses shall increase according to bed capacity growth.
- The Medical Center Chief, in coordination with DOH, DBM, and CSC, determines the additional plantilla positions to be created and filled.
Assistance from Government Offices
- MHARSMC may request assistance from any government department, bureau, agency, or government-owned or -controlled corporation.
- All individuals and institutions are encouraged to cooperate fully in accomplishing the MHARSMC's objectives.
Tax Exemption for Donations
- Donations or bequests to MHARSMC are exempt from donor's tax.
- Such donations are allowable deductions from the donor's gross income under the National Internal Revenue Code.
- Donations must not be disposed of, transferred, or sold.
Auditor Appointment
- The Commission on Audit (COA) shall appoint a representative auditor and assistants to audit MHARSMC.
Reporting Requirements
- The Medical Center Chief must submit periodic reports to the DOH within three months after every fiscal year ends.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial implementation funding comes from the current DOH appropriations.
- Subsequent funding will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
- The DOH Secretary, in consultation with the DBM Secretary, shall issue rules and regulations within 90 days after the Act's approval.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, unaffected provisions remain valid and enforceable.
Repealing Clause
- Republic Act No. 7937 is repealed.
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules, and regulations are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.