DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

I. ELEMENTS

The vision of Department of Health states that Filipinos are among the healthiest
people in Southeast Asia by 2022, and Asia by 2040. Doing the primary function of
Department of Health in promoting, protecting, or restoring people’s health through the
provision and delivery of health services, as well as the regulation and encouragement
of health goods and service providers.

The mission of Department of Health explains that they are rooting for the
country’s development of a productive, resilient, equitable and people-centered health
system for Universal Health Care. Department of Health is tasked for ensuring that all
Filipinos have access to basic public health services by providing high-quality health care
and regulating health-care professionals.

The core values of Department of Health are: integrity which the Department
believes in maintaining the truth and achieving honesty, accountability, and consistency
in its operations; excellence which DOH strive for the best by supporting innovation,
effectiveness and efficiency, pro-action, dynamism, and openness to change;
compassion and respect for human dignity which promotes human dignity by working
with compassion and kindness for those in need; commitment which the Department
pledges to realize its vision for future generations' health and development with all of
our hearts and minds; professionalism which DOH carries out its responsibilities in
accordance with the highest ethical standards, accountability principles, and complete
accountability; teamwork which the DOH employees work together with a result-
oriented mindset; and stewardship of health of the people which the Department must
pursue sustainable development and environmental protection because it affects
Filipinos' health as custodians of the people's health.

Its mandate is to create national health strategies, technical standards, and

guidelines. The DOH not only regulates all health services and goods, but it also provides
unique tertiary health care services and technical help to health professionals and
stakeholders.

The Department of Health organizational chart includes the following:

 Administrative Service

General Functions

 Provide the DOH with efficient and effective service related to

general services such as but not limited to housekeeping, security,
maintenance of facilities, janitorial services, grounds maintenance,
utility payments, logistics management, warehousing, distribution,
payments and importations, property management and disposal of
unserviceable property.
 Formulates and plans programs related to facility, equipment and
motor vehicle maintenance, custodial works. Logistics management
and other administrative concerns and services.
 Maintains a working environment conducive to the productivity of
the employees by making available well secured and well maintained
facilities.
 Renders technical assistance to other Offices and other health
facilities with regard to administrative and logistics concerns.
 Coordinates/collaborates and maintains liaison work with other
Agencies regarding support to operations (STO) concerns.

Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC)

General Functions

 Promotes and sustains international partnership through

agreements and other instrumentalities;
  Enhances policies, plans, agreements and systems for international
cooperation/ partnership
 Establishes effective systems and mechanisms for collaboration/
coordination
 Monitor FAPs Plans, Bilateral/Multilateral Agreements

Bureau of Local Health Systems and Development (BLHSD)

General Functions

 Identify and assess priorities in local health systems development;

 Develop policies, guidelines and standards on sustainable local
health systems;
 Ensure multi-stakeholder participation in local health systems
development;
 Monitor and evaluate functionality of local health system.
Bureau of Quarantine

General Functions

 Formulates and enforces quarantine laws and regulations

 Conducts surveillance and institutes measures to prevent the entry
of diseases subject to International Health Regulations and other
emerging and re-emerging diseases and health concerns from other
countries that may impact on public health in the Philippines.
 Provides technical assistance and supervision, consultative and
advisory services on health and sanitation programs and activities in
international ports and airports and their immediate environs.
 Conducts medical examination on aliens and foreign based Filipinos
for immigration purposes.
 Advises the Secretary and the Undersecretary of Health on matters
pertaining to international health regulations and international
health surveillance.
Disease Prevention and Control Bureau

The DPCB shall be divided into two main components specifically the System Integration
Divisions and the Primary and Specialty Care Divisions.

A. System Integration Divisions

The Director III for System Integration shall have the following duties:

1. Oversee the Policy, Planning, Research and Monitoring and Evaluation

Divisions and sub-units of DPCB, and report Systems Integration work to the Director IV
of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.

2. Sign all policy, administrative and financial documents related to COVID-19

and directly report to the Public Health Services Team (PHST) Undersecretary for COVID-
19 related concerns.

B. Primary and Specialty Care Divisions

The Director Ill for Technical Integration shall have the following duties:

1. Operationalize the integrated primary care for the following flagship

programs: Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health, and Nutrition (RMNCHN),
Oral Health, National Immunization Program and the National Tuberculosis Program and
National AIDS, STI Prevention and Control Program.

2. Lead the following Divisions in line with the primary care integration:
The National Immunization Program (NIP), Oral Health, Infectious Diseases and Family
Health Division and report directly to the Director IV of the Disease Prevention and
Control Bureau. The rest of the Divisions under the Primary and Specialty Care shall be
directly under the Director IV.

Epidemiology Bureau

General Functions

 Develop and evaluate surveillance systems and other health

information systems
 Collect, analyze and disseminate reliable and timely information on
the health status
 Investigate disease outbreaks and other threats to public health
 Network public health laboratories in support of epidemiological and
surveillance activities

Financial Management Service

General Functions

 Prepare and consolidate the budget of the Department.

 Maintain the books of accounts
 Collaborate and coordinate with various fiscal and regulatory
government agencies in establishing budgeting and accounting
systems and policies
 Assist management in decision making with regards to financial
matters.
 Monitor, evaluate and report on fund utilization against
performance of outputs.
  Review and appraise adequacy and compliance to internal control
system

Food and Drug Administration

General Functions

 Develops plans policies, programs and strategies for regulating

processed foods, drugs and other related products
 Formulates rules, regulations and standards for licensing and
accreditation of processed foods, drugs and other related products
 Conducts licensing and accreditation of processed foods, drugs and
other related products.
 Provides technical, consultative and advisory services to and
develops capability of field offices on licensing and enforcement of
laws, rules and regulations pertaining to processed foods, drugs and
other related products.
 Monitors, evaluates and ensures compliance of manufacturers,
distributors, advertisers and retailers of processed foods, drugs and
other related products to health rules and regulations and standards
of quality.
 Advises the Secretary and Undersecretary of Health on matters
pertaining to regulation of processed foods, drugs and other related
products.
Health Emergency Management Bureau

General Functions

 Develops plans policies, programs and strategies for regulating

processed foods, drugs and other related products
 Formulates rules, regulations and standards for licensing and
accreditation of processed foods, drugs and other related products
 Conducts licensing and accreditation of processed foods, drugs and
other related products.
 Provides technical, consultative and advisory services to and
develops capability of field offices on licensing and enforcement of
laws, rules and regulations pertaining to processed foods, drugs and
other related products.
 Monitors, evaluates and ensures compliance of manufacturers,
distributors, advertisers and retailers of processed foods, drugs and
other related products to health rules and regulations and standards
of quality.
 Advises the Secretary and Undersecretary of Health on matters
pertaining to regulation of processed foods, drugs and other related
products.
Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau (HFSRB)

General Functions

 Set minimum standards for regulation of health facilities and services

 Disseminate regulatory policies and standards for information and
compliance
 Issue permits to construct, License to Operate and Certificate of
Accreditation
 Monitoring of health facilities and services to ensure continuous
compliance of health facilities with regulatory standards
 Provide technical assistance, consultation and advisory services to
stakeholders regarding health facilities regulation
 Conduct research relative to regulation of health facilities and
services
 Conduct fact-finding on complaints against health facilities and
services
 Act on complaints against hospitals and other health facilities
Health Human Resource Development Bureau

General Functions

HHRDB is tasked to lead the efforts of the DOH in HRH programs and
activities mainly through policy recommendations, standards development,
capacity building, technical and logistical assistance and networking. 
 Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPDPB)

General Functions

 Develops the health sector policy, legislative and research agenda;

 Develops strategic plans towards the attainment of national goals
and objectives for health;
 Monitors and evaluates health sector performance in attaining the
national goals and objectives for health;
 Provides technical assistance in the development of policies, plans,
and programs for the health sector; and
 Makes recommendations to the Secretary of Health on matters
pertaining to national health policies, plans and programs.

Health Promotion and Communication Service (HPCS)

General Functions

 Develop directions, policies, standards and guidelines pertaining to

health promotion
 Provide policy advice to partner agencies related to the health
determinants
 Provide technical assistance to Central Office cluster/bureau,
Regional Offices and retained hospitals on health promotion
 Take the leadership in the implementation of national campaigns as
determined by DOH management
 Provide health promotion data to CO, Regional Health Offices,
Retained Hospitals and other partners
  Develop, produce and provide IEC materials to CO, Regional Health
Offices, retained hospitals and other partners
 Establish networks with partners especially those involved in peace,
shelter, livelihood, education, food, income, eco-system, social
relations, equity, poverty, social justice, empowerment of women
and human rights

Internal Audit Service

General Functions

 Advise the DOH Secretary on all matters to management control and

operation audit
 Conduct management operations performance audit of the DOH
Central Office, Centers for Health Development (CHDs), Special/
Specialty and Retained Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, attached
Bureaus/ Units operations and activities, (with audit cycle of three
(3) years) in order to determine the degree of compliance with their
mandate, policies, existing laws and regulations, established
objectives, systems, procedures/ processes and contractual
obligation
 Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational
structure, assets management practices, financial and management
records, report and performance standards
 Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top
management by recommending realistic courses action
 Conduct regular review and evaluation of the adequacy, efficiency
and effectiveness of the Internal Control Systems
 Conduct special and investigate audit relative to graft-related
complaints and/or existence of perception and malpractices as
endorsed by the Internal Affairs Board (IAB) Of the Integrity
Development Committee (IDC) of the DOH
 Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary of Health
Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service

General Functions

 Formulate plans, policies, programs and standards for systems &

process improvement, systems and software development,
establishment and maintenance of information and communication
technology (ICT) solutions including related security requirements
and management of data, information and knowledge
sources and systems;
 Develop and manage the management information system and
knowledge systems of the DOH including the health portal;
 Conduct systems & process engineering, software development,
software configuration management;
 Develop and manage the DOH corporate database, data warehouse,
other health information resources, library services and document
management and archiving services;
 Develop and manage the DOH ICT infrastructure and provide ICT
related- services to the DOH including computer networking and
voice communications services and data exchange;
 Manage the literacy and training services for   health human
resources on various ICTs, KM tools and applications including
information and knowledge management;
 Conduct research and development on systems and software
engineering, network management, database management,
knowledge system and other ICT-related solutions or applications
that may applicable for the DOH or health sector;
 Coordinate and work with various DOH units, other government
agencies and health partners   on eHealth and health
data/information/ knowledge management and in
the implementation of the Government Master Plan and the
Philippine Digital Strategy; and
 Advise the Secretary of Health on matters pertaining to information
and knowledge management systems and services, and ICT-related
services
Legal Service

General Functions

To guide the Department in its internal and external dealings, the Legal
Service is tasked to provide legal representation, advice and opinions on matters
relevant to the DOH's mandate, policies, rules and regulations. And conduct
investigations on administrative complaints/ cases.
Pharmaceutical Division

General Functions

 Improve the supply side access to quality essential medicines.

 Ensure rational use of medicines by prescribers, dispensers and
patients.
 Institutionalize transparency and good governance in the pricing and
procurement of medicines.
 Ensure adequate health system support for the implementation of
the “The Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act”,
otherwise known as Republic Act 9502 and Philippine Medicines
Policy.
Philippine Blood Center

Procurement Service

General Functions

 Formulates plans and policies on procurement management of the

Department of Health
 Undertakes the procurement process, in accordance with the
Government Procurement Reform Act
 It advises the Secretary of Health on matters pertaining to the
procurement of goods and services, infrastructure and consultancy
services
 II. RESOURCES

The Department of Health (DOH) is the principal health agency in the Philippines. It is
responsible for ensuring access to basic public health services to all Filipinos through the
provision of quality health care and regulation of providers of health goods and services.

Resource Center for Health System Development

The Resource Center for Health System Development (RCHSD) portal is the
virtual repository of knowledge on health system development of the Department of
Health (DOH). The portal is designed to be a one-stop research site for all, with access to
the full text of health system development materials, list of experts that can be tapped
by not only the DOH community but also by those coming from other organizations for
their knowledge sharing activities and needs, discussion board where practically
everyone can visit and share their views on health topics that matter, a feature where
one can seek for the help of our staff in terms of giving advice on appropriate resources,
and eventually, an interactive site for online learning.

DOH Central Library

The DOH Central Library is located at the ground floor of Building 9, Department
of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila. The Library offers a
reading area, an open stack area consisting the General Collection, WHO Publications
and DOH Publications sections. There are six OPAC stations with access to Internet.
 National Epidemiology Center Library

National Epidemiology Center (NEC) Library The National Epidemiology Center

Library, formerly Field Epidemiology Training Program Library, was established 1989
under the FETP project. Dr. Mark E. White donated most of the library holdings. It
provides materials and services to meet the instructional research and extension needs
of all FETP fellows and staff.

The problems that have previously been highlighted as impeding the efficient
management of limited health resources are still present. (1) Despite the establishment of
management tools and training programs, procurement processes, procedures, and guidelines
are implemented inconsistently at national and local levels. (2) Inadequate coordination of
efforts among the numerous procurement oversight offices. (3) Procurement delays caused by
a lack of consistent standards for product specifications and needed papers on the end user
side. (4) Bid failures due to limited consultation on requested services and a lack of involvement
among enterprises and individuals.

III. POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

Policies

As a national health policy-maker and regulatory entity, the Department of Health

(DOH) has overall technical responsibility over health.

In the health sector, the DOH plays three key roles: (1) health leadership, (2) facilitator
and capacity builder, and (3) administrator of specialized services. Its mission is to create
national health strategies, technical standards, and guidelines. The DOH not only regulates all
health services and goods, but it also provides unique tertiary health care services and technical
help to health professionals and stakeholders.

The Department of Health (DOH) – which is made up of several central bureaus and
services at the Central Office, Centers for Health Development (CHD) in each area, and DOH-
retained hospitals – works with its connected agencies to constantly enhance the country's
health care system.

Here is the list of the Republic Act of the 15th and 16th Congress:

o Republic Act No. 10747

 An Act Promulgating a Comprehensive Policy in Addressing the Needs of
Persons with Rare Disease.

o Republic Act No. 10410

An act recognizing the age from zero (0) to eight (8) years as the first crucial
stage of educational development and strengthening the early childhood
care and development system, appropriating funds therefor and for other
purposes

o Republic Act No. 10678

An act converting the Davao Regional Hospital into Davao Regional Medical
Center, increasing its bed capacity and appropriating funds therefor,
amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7179

o Republic Act No. 10677

An act increasing the bed capacity of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center
in Cagayan de Oro City, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7938,
appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes

o Republic Act No. 10671

An act changing the name of Gubat District Hospital to Salvador R. Encinas

District Hospital in Gubat, Sorsogon

o Republic Act No. 10666

An act providing for the safety of children aboard motorcycles

o Republic Act No. 10645

An act providing for the mandatory Philhealth coverage for all Senior
Citizens, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by
Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens
Act of 2010"

o Republic Act No. 10643

An act to effectively instill health consciousness through graphic health

warnings on tobacco products 
o Republic Act No. 10640

An act to further strengthen the anti-drug campaign of the government,

amending for the purpose section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise
known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

o Republic Act 10635

An act establishing the maritime industry authority (Marina) as the single

maritime administration responsible for the implementation and
enforcement of the 1978 international convention standards of training,
certification and watch keeping for seafarers, as amended, and international
agreements or covenants related thereto

o Republic Act No. 10354

An Act Providing for A National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and

Reproductive Health

o Republic Act No. 10152

An Act Providing for Mandatory Basic Immunization Services for Infants and
Children, repealing for the Purpose Presidential Decree No. 996, As Amended

o Republic Act No. 10611

An act to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to

protect consumer’s health and facilitate market access of local foods and
food products, and for other purposes

o Republic Act No. 10606

An act amending Republic Act No. 7875, otherwise known as the "National
Health Insurance Act of 1995", as amended, and for other purposes

o Republic Act No. 10595

An act converting the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology

(WVCST) in the city of Iloilo into a state university to be known as the Iloilo
Science and Technology University, with campuses in the municipalities of
Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Leon and Miag-ao, all located in the province of
Iloilo, and appropriating funds therefore
 o Republic Act No. 10586

An act penalizing persons driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous

drugs, and similar substances, and for other purposes

o Republic Act No. 10532

An act institutionalizing the Philippine National Health Research System

o Republic Act No. 10524

An act expanding the positions reserved for persons with disability,

amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise
known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability

o Republic Act No. 10345

An act increasing the bed capacity of the Quirino Memorial Medical Center
from three hundred fifty (350) to five hundred (500) beds, amending for the
purpose Republic Act No. 8313, appropriating funds therefor and for other
purposes

o Republic Act No. 10174

An act establishing the people's survival fund to provide long-term finance

streams to enable the government to effectively address the problem of
climate change, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 9729, otherwise
known as the "Climate Change Act of 2009", and for other purposes

The following are the notice of public hearing:

 Notice to the Public: Implementing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for drugs and
medicines.
 Draft AO: Guidelines for the Implementation of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on
Drugs and Medicines
 Draft AO: Guidelines for the Operationalization of Provisions regarding Informed
Consent, Exceptions to Informed Consent, Advance Directive, Legal Representative,
and Supported Decision Making
 Notice of Public Consultation: Draft Guidelines for the Operationalization of
Provisions Regarding Informed Consent, Exceptions to Informed Consent, Advance
Directives, Legal Representatives and Supported Decision Making
 Draft Guidelines for the Operationalization of Provisions Regarding Informed
Consent, Exceptions to Informed Consent, Advance Directives, Legal Representatives
and Supported Decision Making
 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Public Act (RA) No. 10620, Otherwise
Known as "An Act Providing for Toy and Game Safety Labeling, Appropriating Funds
Therefor"
 Draft AO - National Implementation of the Unified Registry Systems on Chronic Non-
Communicable Diseases, Injury Related Cases, Persons with Disabilities, and
Violence Against Women and Children
 Draft AO - Revised Implementing Guidelines for the Philippine National Formulary
System (PNFS)
 The RPRH Working Draft IRR: Translating Mandated Principles and Ideals into
Actionable Words and Phrases
 Implementing Guidelines on Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS)
 Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No 10354 (The Responsible
Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012)

Programs

Individuals and communities are encouraged to select healthy habits and make
changes that minimize the likelihood of acquiring chronic illnesses and other morbidities
through health promotion initiatives. Health promotion, as defined by the World Health
Organization, "allows individuals to have more control over their own health." The
Philippine Health Agenda aspires to three major goals: (1) improved health outcomes
with no significant disparities among population groups; (2) financial risk protection for
all, particularly the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable; and (3) a responsive health
system that makes Filipinos feel respected, valued, and empowered.

The following are the programs of the Department of Health:

 Program for Adolescent Health and Development

 Blood Donation Program

 Child Health and Development Strategic Plan Year 2001-2004

 Climate Change

 Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT)

 Committee of Examiners for Undertakers and Embalmers

 Dengue Prevention and Control Program

  Dental Health Program

 Early Childhood Care Development Program

 Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Program

 Program for the Prevention and Control of Aedes-borne Viral Diseases

 Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program

 Program for Cancer Prevention

 Belly Gud for Health

 Prevention and Control of Chronic Kidney Disease

 Environmental Health Programs

 Expanded Program on Immunization

 Family Planning Program

 Filariasis Elimination Program

 Food and Waterborne Diseases Prevention and Control Program

 Food Fortification Program

 Garantisadong Pambata

 Healthy and Productive Ageing Program

 HIV, AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program

 Human Resource for Health Network

 Immunization Program

 Infant and Young Child Feeding Program

 Integrated Helmnith Control Program

 Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Program

 Inter Local Health Zone

IV. ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 Adolescent health promotion and behavior modification, participation of
adolescents in governance and policy choices, developing/transforming health-care
facilities to make them more adolescent-friendly, increasing the number of young
individuals covered by health insurance, enhancing service providers', families', and
teenagers' abilities, partnerships between adolescent groups, government agencies, the
corporate sector, civil society organizations, families, and communities are being
strengthened, mobilization of resources, and assessment and evaluation are conducted
on a regular basis; these are the strategies and action points the Department of Health
will do in order for them to pursue the people empowerment.

This implies that adolescent-friendly facilities, activities, and health providers will
be more readily available to Filipino kids. The AHDP envisions a country where
adolescents are well-informed, empowered, responsible, and healthy leaders. Its
purpose is to provide comprehensive health care and services to all adolescents in an
adolescent-friendly atmosphere. Through sexual and reproductive health, contribute to
the enhancement and promotion of the complete well-being of young Filipinos aged 10-
14, 15-19, and 20-24. It is a unique stage of human development and a critical period for
setting the groundwork for optimal health. Adolescents grow rapidly in terms of their
physical, cognitive, and psychological development. This has an impact on how
individuals feel, think, make decisions, and interact with others.

The Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) is designed for young
people aged 10 to 19. It is primarily directed by the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child, which specifies that the program must be in the child's best
interests. The program primarily aims to offer teenagers access to excellent healthcare
services, according to the Department of Health's Administrative Order (AO) 2013-0013,
or the National Policy and Strategic Framework on Adolescent Health and Development
Administrative Order.

V. CONCLUSION

Although teenagers have a greater opportunity than ever before of improving

their health and well-being, an estimated 1.2 million still die each year from avoidable
causes. Many people do not have access to the vital information, high-quality services,
and safe surroundings that they require to be well and well. Comorbidity is described as
the incidence of two or more diseases, health problems, or dangerous behaviors in the
same person. Certain groups of teenagers have unusually high rates of comorbidity.
These teenagers are more sensitive to illness. Furthermore, when compared to the
general adolescent population, specific groups of adolescents, such as those who are
poor, in foster care, homeless, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or in the juvenile
justice system, may have higher rates of chronic health problems and engage in riskier
behavior.

These teenagers may have very complicated health problems that are frequently
ignored by the health services and places they use.

According to the World Health Organization (1995, p. 3), “One of the most
important commitments a country can make for future economic, social, and political
progress and stability is to address the health and development needs of its
adolescents.” Adolescence is a significant shift from infancy to maturity. It is a time
when young individuals undergo considerable physical, psychological, and behavioral
changes, as well as form many of the habits, behaviors, and connections that they will
take into adulthood. During adolescence, the health system has a critical role to play in
encouraging healthy behavior and avoiding disease.

We'll learn how to engage with youngsters more effectively. Having programs on
the health and development of adolescents can also help us gain a better understanding
of our own personal growth over time. Finally, we'll be able to distinguish between what
is normal and what is not. Something that can be useful in a variety of situations.