Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bilt No, 7460

Introduced by Representatives John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Edward Vera Perez Maceda,
Eric M. Martinez, Federico II "Ricky" S. Sandoval, and Dale "Along" R. Malapitan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is a declared policy of the under the 1987 Constitution that the State shall protect and promote the
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Number of deaths in the Philippines are growing for lack of proper medication this is because
majority of the Filipino people are part of the below poverty line and does not have access to their
basic needs which includes medication.

Proper medication and/ or access to it is one of our human rights, it is our right for the sole reason
that we exist. It is an inalienable right belonging to each member of the human family. The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights states that, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and
rights, as such everyone has the right to medical care. It is our duty to implement a health system that
will help, facilitate, and improve the life of the people, especially those who have less in life. The
well-being of our citizens should always be our priority

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

'L SERVO” NIETO

JOHN
EDWARD VERA PEREZ MACEDA DALE dha

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FEDERICO I "Ri ™ S$. SANDOVAL



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7460

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Edward Vera Perez Maceda,
Eric M. Martinez, Federico II "Ricky" S. Sandoval, and Dale "Along" R. Malapitan

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FREE BASIC MEDICINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN ALL.
GOVERNMENT HEALTH FACILITIES NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the "Free Basic Medicine Assistance Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote
the right to health and well-being of every Filipino and to adopt a system that will implement the
delivery of free basic medicines to those who have less in life in all health facilities in the country,
giving priority to the underprivileged, ailing. Malnourished, elderly women and children, disabled,
and the poorest of the poor.

SEC. 3. Objectives - This Act aims to:
. promote optimal health and well-being of every Filipino by improved access to medicines, and

b. address the health needs of marginalized sectors such as the poor, malnourished, the elderly,
women, children and disabled by the establishment of a Free Basic Medicine Assistance Program in
all government health facilities nationwide.

SEC. 4. Establishment of Free Basic Medicine Assistance Program. - There shall be established a
Free Basic Medicine Assistance Program, hereinafter referred to as the "Libreng Gamot Program," to
be administered by the Department of Health (DOH) through government district hospitals, local
health units and barangay health centers in all cities and municipalities, in coordination with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

SEC. 5. Eligible Beneficiaries - The Libreng Gamot Program shall be restricted to persons or
families who do not eat enough to satisfy the minimum cost of basic needs like food, health, housing
and education as certified by the barangay and the DSWD.

SEC. 6. Availment of Free Basic Medicines - Free basic medicines shall be made available in all
government district hospitals, barangay health centers, and local health units. These health facilities


shall account for all the medicines released to qualified beneficiaries through the submission of
quarterly reports to the DOH.

SEC. 7. Appropriations ~ The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be
charged against the appropriations of the DOH. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8, Rules and Regulations - The Secretary of the DOH, in coordination with the DSWD, and in
consultation with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, other parts or provisions thereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause, - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other
issuances or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly,

SEC. 11. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,