The Senate on Monday approved a measure authorizing the Department of Health (DOH) to determine and adjust the bed capacity and service capability of hospitals under its supervision and control.
Senate Bill No. 1508, or the “DOH Hospital Bed Capacity and Service Capability Rationalization Act,” empowers the DOH to set and approve authorized bed capacities through administrative issuance, taking into account development plans, catchment population, burden of disease, available human resources and health care provider networks.
The measure, approved with 20 affirmative votes, zero negative and zero abstentions, requires the continued updating and implementation of the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan to guide modernization and capital outlay investments.
Funding for adjustments in bed capacity and service capability will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, subject to the regular budget process.
In his explanation of vote, Senator Joel Villanueva expressed full support for the bill and thanked the sponsor, Senator Risa Hontiveros.
“By authorizing the Department of Health to determine, set, adjust, and approve the authorized bed capacities and corresponding service capabilities of hospitals under its supervision and control, we take a decisive step toward rationalizing our health system, meaningfully address persistent overcrowding, and strengthen the delivery of quality health services nationwide,” Villanueva said. (PNA)