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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7122

Introduced by Hon. Salvador B. Belaro Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In this age of the internet, technology is an enabler, one that continuously
removes barriers and gaps in the delivery of government services.

One such gap that can be bridged by technology is the doctor-to-patient
ratio. In 2016, reports from the Department of Health revealed that the country
lacks 15,000 doctors and the present ratio of patients to every doctor is 33,000.
This is very far as compared to the World Health Organization’s prescribed ratio
of 1 is to 10,000.

The distressing situation of public health service delivery requires an
immediate action from the government considering the significant role of health
in nation-building. This legislation aims to promote the use of information and
communication technology (ICT) in solving problems rampant in the health care
system.

5. kL-J
CONG. SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.

Representative
1-Ang Edukasyon Party List


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7122
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Salvador B. Belaro Jr.

AN ACT
PROMOTING TELEMEDICINE IN THE COUNTRY AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Telemedicine Act of 2018”.

SECTION 2. The Constitution provides that the State shall establish means to
promote quality health services across the country, down to the farthest
communities.

SECTION 3. There shall be an affordable and accessible telemedicine services in
all the medical centers, hospitals and clinics in the country, which includes the
following:
a. Construction of facilities for the delivery of telemedicine services sites;
b. Provision of technology equipment and systems such as computers,
internet connections, and communication lines;
c. Provision of healthcare services by duly licensed professionals such as
doctors, nurses, primary care health workers and clinical specialists; and
d. Provision of transportation and other courier services for the delivery of
medicines and other services.


SECTION 4. The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the
University of the Philippines National Telehealth Center, and other medical
centers and clinics, is herein tasked to formulate the implementing rules and
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION S. An initial amount of One Hundred Million Pesos (P100,000,000.00)
necessary to carry out the provision of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriation Act of the year following its enactment into law.

SECTION 6. If any provision hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional, the
remainder of the law or provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and
subsisting.

SECTION 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.