Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.J2 72

Introduced by Honorable Edgar Mary S. Sarmiento

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to increase the bed capacity of the Schistosomiasis Hospital located in
Palo, Leyte.

The bill is in fulfillment of the constitutional mandate to protect and promote the right to
health of the people. It also aims to make essential health services available to the people at an
affordable cost. Furthermore, elimination of poor quality and undignified care in public hospitals
is one of the goals of the Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022.

The Schistosomiasis Hospital is the only hospital in the Philippines recognized for
Schistosomiasis infection management. It was established to conduct treatment; management
and research for Schistosomiasis, Since 1982, when the hospital began its full operation, the
25-bed capacity has not yet increased despite the influx of patients and increase of services
offered by the institution. In addition to Schistosomiasis infection management, the hospital is
also offering services related to the following specialties: Psychiatry, Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Anesthesia, Internal Medicine, and General Surgery. Moreover, it has also recently
offered radiologic services to the patients.

The financial support of the Department of Health can only provide for 25 beds.
However, the reality is that the hospital accommodates an average of 61.5 admitted patients
(2016) per day, reaching a peak of 75-80 admitted patients. Therefore, it is imperative that the
bed capacity be increased to 100 beds in order that there would be no overcrowding of patients.

The hospital continues to provide decent health care services to its patients, not only in
Leyte, but also in surrounding areas. Additionally, it is anticipating a surge in the number of
clients as the other DOH-retained hospital which covers the area will be transferred

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

—
EDGAR MARY S. SARMIENTO
\1" Dist\ct, Samar

REFREOS \



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 5272

Introduced by Honorable Edgar Mary S. Sarmiento

AN ACT INCREASING THE BED CAPACITY OF THE SCHISTOSOMIASIS HOSPITAL IN
PALO, LEYTE FROM TWENTY-FIVE (25) TO ONE HUNDRED (100), UPGRADING ITS
SERVICES AND FACILITIES AND PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE, AUTHORIZING THE
INCREASE OF ITS MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

Be It enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled

SECTION 4. The authorized bed capacity of the Schistosomiasis Hospital in Palo, Leyte
is hereby upgraded from twenty-five (25) to one hundred (100) beds.

SECTION 2. The existing service faites: and prtessorsl health care services of the
Hospital are hereby ups

bed capacity increase as provided for in Section 1 ‘hereof

SECTION 3. The existing workforce shall be correspondingly increased. The
Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management, and
Civil Service Commission, shall determine the additional plantila positions to be created and
id Up:

SECTION 4. The increase in bed capacity of the Schistosomiasis Hospital from twenty-
five (25) to one hundred (100) beds shall be implemented for a period of not more than one (1)
year from the approval of this Act.

SECTION 5. The Secreiary of Heaith shail immediately inciude in the Depariment’s
programs the implementation of the Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.