Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bitt.no, 3618

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

The State shalll protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them. (Article II, 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 XIII, 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.

‘ALFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3618
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

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. - \t is the policy of the State to pursue the Primary
Health Care Approach in the delivery of health services and to undertake human resource

development for this policy and to promote preventive dental healthcare in the rural areas
as part of the Primary Health Care strategy.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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

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


SECTION 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 Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

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

Approved,