Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 6733

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The republic of the Philippines has a very promising medical tourism industry,
these sectors include health professionals, quality health care and insurance
providers, tourism planners, airline and travel executives patient safety workers.
Also involved are sectors in finance, real estate, retirement planning,
communications and advertising, as well as those in information technology. The
timely, relevant and strategic inputs of all concerned sectors lead to increased

Philippine industry competitiveness amidst the increasing opportunities in the
field.

Countries all over the world are thinking of viable means to reduce their costs of
delivering quality and sufficient medical and health care for their public. The
practice of providing international accreditation to qualified hospitals and
facilities has also been set, and thus, ensuring that more qualified players are
able to get into medical tourism is a concern.


In recent years, the Philippines has gained considerable momentum in this area
and this pace can only be further improved through sustained and focused
attention for its growth.

It has been noted that the Philippines is a natural provider of medical tourism,
with the high level of competence of its medical professionals, their ability to
communicate well in English, the upgrade of equipment and infrastructure to
provide well-priced services, as well as the innate hospitality of the Filipino
people.

This House Bill seeks to foster the continuity and expansion of a responsive
medical tourism industry.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

MICHABY/E. ROMERO Ph.D


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO._§ 733

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

AN ACT

CREATING THE PHILIPPINE MEDICAL TOURISM AUTHORITY, TO
FOSTER THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL TOURISM,
TO PROMOTE THE NEED FOR A SYSTEMATIC AND STRATEGIC
COORDINATION AMONG NUMEROUS STAKEHOLDERS WORKING
TOWARD A THRIVING AND RESPONSIVE PHILIPPINE MEDICAL
TOURISM INDUSTRY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is hereby a declared policy of the state
to:

* Promote popularity of medical tourism;

* Facilitate immediate rendering of certain procedures;

*  Rationalize the ease and affordability of travel;

* Make improvements in both technology and standards of care in

the countries medical tourism industry; and


«Establish competitive and cheaper prices.

SECTION 2. TRANSITORY PROVISION — Existing industries, businesses and offices
affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given six (6) months
transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other period as may be

determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act.

SECTION 3. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS - The departments and
agencies charged, with carrying out the provisions of this Act, shall within sixty
(60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the necessary rules and

regulations for its effective implementation.

SECTION 4. REPEALING CLAUSE - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section or provision of
this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof
shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national

newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,