Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

H.B.No,___ 4212

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the prime duty of the State to
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among
them, It is also its solemn mandate to protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,

Health is and should be the most important concern of every society. It is the primary
moving factor which enables every human being to participate in society. Without it, society
would be dull and unproductive. Part and parcel of the people’s right to health is dental
health.

It is an established fact that most of the country's health programs deal with
prevention and cure of illnesses. Rarely do these programs involve dental care. It is also a fact
that there is a lack of access to dental services in the rural areas of the country. A rural area
would be lucky enough if a dental mission is conducted therein by civic organizations
However, these dental missions only occur, at the most, once a year.

As such, the lack of attention in terms of dental health care devoted to Filipinos living
in these areas has had a poor effect on their health.

‘As a solution to this predicament, it is essential that the State take a proactive step by
establishing a program that would devote utmost attention to the dental health of Filipinos
living both in rural areas, It is imperative that dental health care services be made readily
available and accessible to these people, By mandating the creation of a dental unit in every
rural health unit under the Department of Health, the State will help secure the people's
dental health as the dental unit will see to it that proper medical attention is provided. Only
through such solution will the State accord the people their right to health

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested,

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D
‘epresentative
‘Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRES:
First Regular Session

H. B. No. 4212

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT
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 1. Declaration of Policy. tis the policy of the State

a) 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

b) 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
is hereby created a dental unit in every rural health unit under the supervision of the
Department of Health.

SEC. 4. 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 purpose of this Act shall be funded
out of the appropriations of the Department of Health under Republic Act Numbered Sixty-
Six Hundred and Forty-two, Thereafter, 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,