Philippine Geriatric Center Act

• Denate Offine of the Steretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP -1 P3:10 RECEIVED BY: So 4320 S. No._ Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE GERIATRIC CENTER UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines is experiencing a demographic shift, with a rapidly growing number of elderly citizens. As people age, they often face complex health challenges that require specialized medical care. Establishing the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC) ensures that there is a dedicated facility equipped to meet these specific healthcare needs, improving the quality of life for the elderly population. As of 2020, there were 9,242,121 senior citizens or those above 60 years old in this country, as recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The PSA is projecting the Philippine population to have hit about 112 million in 2023, although some foreign economic consultancies place the number at over 118 million.1 In our developing country, many individuals need financial and other forms of assistance in their twilight years. By placing the PGC under the Department of Health (DOH), the facility can integrate and coordinate with other health services and programs across the country. This guarantees a holistic approach to geriatric care, enabling comprehensive service delivery and simplifying the national health strategies and policies for the elderly. 1 https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/02/28/2336645/senior-moments

To this end, the bill intends to address the growing healthcare demands of the aging population in the Philippines by establishing a specialized healthcare institution dedicated to geriatric care. This initiative demonstrates the State's dedication to upholding and advancing the health rights of elderly Filipinos through an integrated and comprehensive healthcare approach. A dedicated geriatric center can streamline resources and efforts, avoiding the duplication of services and ensuring that funds are used effectively. The PGC can leverage its specialized focus to attract funding, partnerships, and collaborations that are specifically aimed at improving geriatric care, thus maximizing the impact of available resources. This bill is a crucial step towards ensuring that the growing elderly population in the Philippines gets the specialized, comprehensive, and high quality healthcare that they deserve. This bill not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of older adults but also encourages long-term health and well-being, contributing to a healthier and more inclusive society. In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. I. FÚLFO

Senate Dher of ile Serietorp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP -1 P3:10 So. 1320 RECEIVED BY: S. No. - Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE GERIATRIC CENTER UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Geriatric Center

2 Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to protect

4 and promote the right to health of the Filipino people and to instill health consciousness among them. Towards this end, the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development. It shall ensure that quality health services are available and accessible to them by establishing a specialized hospital that will cater to their medical and health needs.

Sec. 3. Philippine Geriatric Center. - The National Center for Geriatric Health

10 (NCGH), located in San Miguel, Manila, is hereby renamed as the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC) and established as a tertiary specialty hospital under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health to ensure healthcare and quality of life of our older and ageing population. The existing hospital development plan, current bed capacity and service capabilities, including organizational structure and staffing requirements, shall be updated and upgraded consistent with the given mandate under this Act.

Sec. 4. Purposes and Objectives. - The PGC shall have the following purposes and

objectives:

a) Equip, maintain, administer and operate an integrated medical institution which shall specialize in geriatric health services; b) Promote medical services to the elderly and scientific research/database relative to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, rehabilitation and relief of disease of older people and aging population; c) Provide education and training of physicians, nurses, officers, social workers, barangay health workers, and other medical and technical personnel in the practice and scientific implementation of health services to older people and aging population; and d) Coordinate the various efforts and activities of other government agencies and local government units for the purpose of achieving a comprehensive and integrated approach to geriatric health and healthcare service delivery.

Sec. 5. Referral System.- The PGC shall be the National Specialty Referral Center for

all private and government facilities for specialized geriatric care.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - An amount of One Hundred Million Pesos (PhP

100,000,000.00) shall be appropriated for the establishment and initial operations of the PGC. Furthermore, the Secretary of Health shall immediately include in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the subsequent Annual General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued operation of the hospital, upgrading, and expansion of services shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health shall, in

consultation and coordination with appropriate government agencies, such as Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Civil Service Commission (CSC), National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non- Government Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the effective and efficient implementation of the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or

2 unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other 3 provisions hereof.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

5 regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,