The Department of Health (DOH) expresses its gratitude to lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate for the ratification of House Bill No. 7551 and Senate Bill 2212 also known as the “Regional Specialty Centers Act”, giving the agency direct supervision and control over specialty centers to be established in identified hospitals in each region.

With the establishment of 231 new specialty centers across the regions, the DOH will provide accessible and affordable specialized health services for more communities across the country, boosting the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law. Upon the enactment of this Act, the DOH will establish at least one specialty center in every region within five years based on the area’s top burden of disease and special needs.

“The DOH extends its gratitude to the Senate and House of Representatives for their support in the establishment of specialty centers in various regions in the country. This Act is a significant milestone in moving forward the UHC Law and further protecting and promoting the Filipino’s right to health and instilling health consciousness,” said Officer-in-Charge Health Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

The DOH guarantees that the establishment of specialty hospitals will adhere to the set guidelines on planning and prioritizing health facilities, and that these facilities will provide quality health services by employing trained expert personnel and medical specialists, as well as appropriate equipment.