Plasma Donation and Collection Act

Schais Ditice of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 FEB -5 P2:59 First Regular Session SENATE S.B. No. - 1773 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT PROMOTING PLASMA DONATION AND COLLECTION, ESTABLISHING PLASMA BANKS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them." The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted a grave toll on public health and caused widespread loss of life in the Philippines and around the world. In response, health practitioners and researchers explored various therapeutic options, including convalescent plasma therapy—a treatment that uses antibodies found in the plasma of recovered individuals to help strengthen the immune response of patients who are critically ill or at high risk of developing severe disease. Studies indicate that convalescent plasma may be used for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening infections, as well as for individuals who, as determined by a healthcare provider, are at high risk of progression to severe or life- threatening illness. In this light, the bill seeks to promote plasma donation and collection to institutionalize a system that ensures adequate, safe, and accessible plasma supply for medical use. It further aims the establishment of plasma banks within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, to facilitate timely access to plasma products, support the treatment of immunocompromised patients, and help prevent further loss of life. Given the abovementioned circumstances, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Free h. Marca AMEE R. MARCOS

Siltdie Office of the Bed etary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FEB -5 P2:59 First Regular Session SENATE S.B. No. 1773 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT PROMOTING PLASMA DONATION AND COLLECTION, ESTABLISHING PLASMA BANKS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 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 "Plasma Donation and

Collection Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right to

health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Studies show that the use of antibodies of coronavirus survivors can be used as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, and people who have been determined by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease. Towards these ends, the State shall promote the donation and collection of convalescent plasma.

SEC. 3. Plasma Donation and Collection. - The government, through the

Department of Health (DOH), shall promote the donation and collection of convalescent plasma or plasma from COVID-19 recovered patients. Provided that, such recovered patients shall qualify the eligibility criteria, as may be determined by DOH, for collection and donation of plasma. Provided further that, such collection, storage, and all activities in relation to the procedure be coordinated at the national level through effective organization and integrated blood supply networks.

SEC. 4. Establishment of Plasma Banks. - One (1) year after the effectivity of

this Act, all hospitals, private and public, shall have a facility where plasma can be collected and stored. All hospitals with existing plasma storage facilities and capable of collecting and storing plasma shaii be deemed to have complied with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Proper Safeguards and Handling. - To guarantee the integrity of the

plasma and other blood products, that shall be collected, all plasma banks, as accredited by DOH, shall ensure that all plasma and other blood products collected have been labeled accordingly, tested and found to be negative of blood transmissible

diseases, and observed an established chain of custody, according to acceptable standards.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to initially implement the

provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOH. Thereafter, such sums, as may be needed, for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). The DOH shall provide technical and financial support to hospitals under the supervision of local government units in the setting-up and maintenance of the plasma banks.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the

effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or

other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,