FOLLOWING the passage of Regional Specialty Centers Act, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assured the public funds will be allocated for the creation of specialty centers in regional hospitals.

In a statement, Romualdez said this new law will provide medical services closer to the people, especially the poor, in all regions of the country.

Just recently, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act.

Likewise, Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray T. Reyes lauded the signing of Republic Act No. 11959, which will establish and institutionalize specialty centers in all the regions across the country.

The Speaker expressed doubt on whether the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 includes funds for the centers, since the outlay was prepared months before the President signed the law.

“In any case, we in the House will ensure that the necessary initial appropriations are allocated for the implementation of the law and the setting up, equipping and staffing of the special medical care units in regional hospitals,” Romualdez said.

The House leader said he would ask the committee on appropriations to see to it that such funds are incorporated in the proposed 2024 national budget. The committee is now in the process of scrutinizing the budget proposal.

“Once these special care facilities are established, people in the provinces, in rural areas, no longer need to travel to Metro Manila to receive specialized treatment and care. They will be spending less for transportation and other related costs. We are bringing the centers closer to our people,” he said.

At present, he said specialty hospitals – Heart Center, Kidney Center, Lung Center, Children’s Medical Center, and Orthopedic Hospital – are all located in Metro Manila.

He said the specialized regional units would have the necessary equipment and staff to care for the sick coming from remote communities.

For his part, Reyes said the Department of Health (DOH) is designated to establish specialty centers prioritizing cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care and burn care.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas