Marcos signs law establishing specialty centers nationwide

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed into law the measure that aims to institutionalize the establishment of specialty and healthcare centers across the country.

Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11959 — or An Act Establishing Specialty Centers in Department of Health Hospitals in Every Region and in Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporation Specialty Hospitals and Appropriating Funds Therefor — on August 24, 2023.

Under the law, the Department of Health is tasked to establish specialty centers in its hospitals in every region and in GOCC specialty hospitals.

These facilities will prioritize cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care and burn care.

These specialty centers will also address orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose, and throat care.

Meanwhile, the law also mandates the DOH to categorize the level of service capability of the specialty centers as National Specialty Centers (NSCs), Advanced Comprehensive Specialty Centers (ACSCs), and Basic Comprehensive Specialty Centers (BCSCs) pursuant to the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan. —KBK, GMA Integrated News