Law Summary
Roles of the DOH
- Lead agency articulating national health objectives to guide local health systems.
- Direct service provider for specific large-scale health programs (e.g., tuberculosis, malaria, HIV-AIDS).
- Lead agency in health emergency response and referral systems.
- Technical authority on disease control and prevention.
- Ensurer of equity, access, and quality in health care through policy, standards, and regulations.
- Monitoring and evaluation oversight for health programs and services.
- Administrator of selected sub-national health facilities serving as referral centers.
- Innovator of strategies for emerging health needs.
- Advocate for health promotion and healthy lifestyles.
- Capacity-builder for LGUs, private sector, NGOs, and other partners in health implementation.
- Lead agency in health and medical research.
- Facilitator for developing health industrial complex with private sector partnership.
- Lead in health emergency preparedness and response.
- Protector of training and education standards for health care providers.
- Implementor of the National Health Insurance Law, providing leadership in health care financing.
Powers and Functions of the DOH
- Formulate national health policies and standards.
- Prevent and control major causes of health issues and disabilities.
- Develop disease surveillance and health information systems.
- Maintain national health facilities with advanced capabilities.
- Promote public health through timely and relevant information dissemination.
- Develop strategies for appropriate health expenditures.
- Develop sub-national centers for health promotion and technical assistance.
- Maintain international linkages for technical collaboration.
- Create environment for health industrial complex development.
- Lead during emergencies, calamities, and disaster response.
- Ensure quality training and human resource development in health care.
- Oversee financing with focus on equity and access to services.
- Define and support national health research agenda for evidence-based interventions.
Rationalization and Streamlining Plan (RSP)
- Prepare RSP to guide changes for efficiency and effectiveness.
- RSP includes:
- Policy, functional, and program shifts.
- Structural and organizational changes with unit functions.
- Staffing shifts listing filled and unfilled positions.
- Resource allocation changes with budget impact and savings.
- Submit RSP to Department of Budget and Management for approval prior to implementation.
Redeployment of Personnel
- Redeployment based on RSP must not reduce rank or compensation.
- Must comply with Civil Service laws and regulations.
Funding Sources
- Use DOH available funds for implementation.
- Staffing changes must not exceed current Personnel Services budget.
Separation Benefits
- Personnel opting for separation entitled to existing law benefits.
- If not covered by existing laws, separation benefits equal to one month basic salary per year of service plus terminal benefits.
Implementing Authority
- DOH Secretary authorized to implement RSP.
- Authority to determine necessary agencies and facilities.
- May pilot test programs and pre-corporatize hospitals based on efficiency and effectiveness principles.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.