Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

nouse pin. 10856

Introduced by Representative HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” LUISTRO

AN ACT PROVIDING FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES TO INDIGENT CHILDREN,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Throughout the years, an unnoticed health crisis has quietly impacted the lives of countless
Filipino children, largely overlooked by parents and the society’s insufficient awareness and
limited access to critical information.’ According to the recent National Survey on Oral Health in
the Philippines an astounding 84.7% of children aged 5 to 12 years old showed a poor oral health.”
Furthermore, research conducted by the World Health Organization concluded that the status of
global oral health is alarming and requires urgent action.’ If not treated, this problem can lead to
severe complications such as heart diseases, sepsis, and on rare occasions, it can lead to stroke and
it can even lead to death”

Faced with this ongoing issue, we were compelled to enact legislation designed to empower
Filipino families with greater awareness and the necessary tools to recognize and respond to this
public health crisis. Our legislative efforts aim to expand access to crucial oral health services,
ensuring that these services are both accessible and affordable. Importantly, this approach has been
carefully crafted to integrate seamlessly into the daily lives of these families, providing the support
they need without disrupting their economic stability or imposing any undue burden on their means
of livelihood.

This bill seeks to provide Medical and Dental assistance to indigent children from families
who lack the means to pay for their treatment.

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

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

10856

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representatives GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R- LUISTRO

ANACT
PROVIDING FREE MEDICALAND DENTAL SERVICES TO INDIGENT CHILDREN, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF

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 Medical and Dental Services to Indigent
Children Act of 2022"

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and
ther social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority forthe needs of
the children and shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers. Further, the State recognizes the
right of children to proper care and nutrition.

SECTION 3. Free Medical and Dental Services. — Indigent children who are fifteen (15) years old and
‘below shall have access to free Medical and Dental Services: Provided, That the family whose combined
gross income does not exceed P16,000 per month, do not own real property oF & vehicle, will be
automatically eligible for the assistance.

SECTION 4. Creation of Indigent Children Section in Medical Institutions. — Every public hospital,
public medical center, and other public medical institutions must establish an Indigent Children Section for
the accommodation of the free medical and dental services to Indigent Children. Private medical institutions
are encouraged to established a section to accommodate the free medical and dental services to Indigent
Children.

SECTION 5. Implementing Agencies. — The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall lead in the implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be
sourced from the budgets of the DOH and DSWD under their current General Appropriations Act (GAA).


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Thereafter, such sums necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in their
annual GAA.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — DOH and DSWD, in consultation with other
government agencies shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, presidential decrees or issuances,
executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules and regulations contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. — If any portion of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the same shall
not affect the validity and effectiveness of the other provisions not affected thereby.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,