Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6543

HOUSE BILL No, 20° 8

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution recognizes the importance of health of the Filipino people,
It provides that;

The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people
and instill health consciousness among them. (Article ll, Section 15)

The State shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug
regulatory system and undertake appropriate health, manpower
development, and research responsive to the country’s health needs and
problems. (Article XIIl, Section 12)

According to the Department of Health, oral disease continues to be a serious
Public health problem in the country. The Department’s National Monitoring and
Evaluation Dental Survey states that about 83 Million Filipinos suffer from tooth decay,
Furthermore, the study also showed that seven out of ten Filipinos have never sought the
services of a dentist.

To take the necessary steps to Improving the oral care and hygiene of the Filipino
people, this bill seeks to create a dental unit in each of the rural health units (RHUs) listed
under the Department of Health

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought

LFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6543
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

ANACT
CREATING A DENTAL UNIT IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH UNIT UNDER THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AS PART OF THE PRIMARY APPROACH IN THE
DELIVERY OF HEALTH SERVICES AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION I. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to pursue the Primary
Health Care Approach in the delivery of health services and to undertake the appropriate health
human resource development for this policy and to promote preventive dental healthcare in the
rural areas as part of the Primary Health Care strategy

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. -

a. “Rural Health Unit” - also known as Main Health Center. It is composed of a
doctor, a nurse and a midwife. Its function is to carry out the public health
functions of the Department of Health which includes both preventive and
curative health care.

b. “Dental Unit” - composed of a public health dentist and a trained Barangay
Health Worker as a dental aide.

SEC. 3. Creation of Dental Unit. - As part of the Primary Health Care Approach, there
ishereby created a dental unit in every rural health unit under the supervision of the Department
of Health.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health shall issue
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Funding. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be funded from the current fiscal year's appropriation for the Department of Health.
Thereafier, such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


SEC. 6. Effectivity, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the
Official Gazette and in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,