Role of the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB)
- RA No. 9257 mandates the NCMB to coordinate nationwide information and education campaigns about the law.
- The NCMB oversees advocacy efforts to inform the public and health providers about senior citizens' benefits.
Necessity for a National Information System
- A recognized need exists for a national system to effectively inform senior citizens and health providers about available health benefits.
- Ensuring awareness among both beneficiaries and providers supports better implementation of the law.
Department of Health (DOH) Commitments and Directives
- As an NCMB member, the DOH commits to strengthening enforcement of RA No. 9257 guidelines.
- The DOH directs all hospitals and health facilities to post or publish schedules of fees applicable for senior citizens’ health benefits.
- Fee schedules must be displayed in strategic areas such as admitting and billing sections, pharmacies, outpatient departments, and ancillary service areas.
Specific Fee Guidelines and Areas for Posting
- Information must include hospital bed rates, laboratory, and diagnostic test fees as stipulated in DOH Administrative Orders No. 177, Series of 2004, and 2008-0002, Series of 2008.
- Posting is required in visible, strategic public places within medical and health facilities and must be regularly updated.
Institutional Encouragement for Senior Citizen Accommodations
- The resolution encourages hospitals to set aside geriatric wards or reserve beds specifically for senior citizens.
Dissemination and Coordination with Relevant Agencies
- Copies of the resolution are to be furnished to key government agencies and organizations including:
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Philippine Hospital Association (PHA)
- Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP)
- Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
Legal and Administrative Effect
- This resolution mandates compliance from both public and private healthcare institutions to ensure transparency and accessibility of senior citizens’ health benefits.
- It reflects an inter-agency and multi-sectoral approach to uphold senior citizens’ rights under RA 9257.