Law Summary
Functions and Responsibilities of the Division
- Coordinate and implement a comprehensive tuberculosis control program nationwide.
- Activities include prevention (direct BCG immunization and indirect methods), diagnosis, treatment, social rehabilitation, training for medical and lay personnel, research, epidemiological and statistical studies.
- Establish at least thirty fully equipped provincial TB centers within four years, providing free diagnostic, X-ray, treatment (surgical and non-surgical) services.
- Supervise TB wards in provincial hospitals where TB centers exist.
- Deploy at least thirty mobile X-ray units within four years to serve rural areas lacking chest centers.
- Maintain at least thirty mobile TB prevention units for mass BCG immunization, health education, home visits, and epidemiological data collection.
- Set up at least six village rest settlements in strategic locations across the three principal regions for patients without access to sanatoria or hospitals, aiding rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Establish a National Tuberculosis Center as the central headquarters for oversight, reporting, training, and information pooling.
- Exchange tuberculosis information nationally and internationally.
- Collaborate with governmental and voluntary agencies for public health welfare.
Creation and Role of the National Advisory Council on Tuberculosis
- Constituted with the Secretary of Health as chairman.
- Members include representatives from the Department of Labor, Department of Education, Social Welfare Administration, the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, and two civic organizations designated by the President.
- The Chief of the Division serves as executive-secretary.
- The Council advises the Division on its functions and operations.
Transfer and Integration of Tuberculosis-Related Units and Activities
- FOA-PHILCUSA and WHO-UNICEF assisted TB and BCG units to be transferred to the Division when ready.
- Tuberculosis clinics supported by provincial or city governments may be integrated with consent.
- TB public health activities from the Department of Health, Department of Education, and Social Welfare Administration are consolidated under the Division.
- The Division is authorized to receive and operate TB centers or pavilions voluntarily turned over by the Philippine Tuberculosis Society.
Appropriations and Funding
- An initial appropriation of PHP 2,005,000 is allocated from the National Treasury for fiscal year 1955 to implement the Act.
- Future operational funding for the Division shall be included in subsequent General Appropriation Acts.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval, ensuring prompt reorganization and implementation of the tuberculosis control program.