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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONG
Second Regular Session

House sit No, 8820

Introduced by Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
SO

AN ACT PROMOTING THE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF BLOOD PLASMA, AUTHORIZING
‘THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, AND COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BLOOD
PLASMA, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the advancement of medical technology, scientists are now discovering new ways
to treat rare diseases, immunodeficiency, and bleeding disorders which have continued to rise
in the last twenty (20) years.

To this end, the use of blood plasma has been recognized globally as an integral |
‘component in the research, development, production, and manufacture of new pharmaceutical |
products, as well as in improving treatment and care for patients suffering from trauma, severe
liver disease, or blood clotting factor deficiency, to name a few.

Prevailing data would, however, show a growing disparity between the current demand
for blood plasma compared with the existing supply thereof.

the low supply levels of available blood plasma for
to enact a law allowing the establishment and operation of
collection centers in the Philippines, which strictly conform with
health protocols and standards established by the Department of Health.

Indeed, the increase in the supply of plasma will be beneficial to Filipinos who need

plasma-based pharmaceutical products to treat their illnesses, and such purpose is even directly

th the declared policy under Article Il, Section 15, of the Constitution which is
the health of every Filipino,



Given the foregoing, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

GLO) CAPAGAL-ARROYO,
Representative, 2" District of Pampanga



Republic of the Philippines
PRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House bit No. 8820

Introduced by Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

AN ACT PROMOTING THE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF BLOOD PLASMA, AUTHORIZING |
‘THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, AND COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BLOOD
PLASMA, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

WHEREAS, the State recognizes that plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) play
a major role in health care, and there is a social responsibility to facilitate access to these
products locally and globally.

WHEREAS, the State supports the establishment and operation of efficiently-managed
and sustainable blood plasma facilities to protect healthy qualified donors while at the same
time ensuring a sufficient supply of blood plasma for patients in need of plasma-based therapy.

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote
the right to health of the people. It shall thereby encourage awareness of and ensure access to
technological advancements that will promote a healthy population and instill health
‘consciousness among them.

To this end, the advancement of technology has allowed the collection and use of blood
plasma in various therapeutic treatments and as an integral component in the research and
development of new medicines.

For this reason, the State promotes the awareness of the medical use of blood plasma
and hereby encourages private sector participation to promote and sustain the donation of
blood plasma, thereby addressing, the growing demand for blood plasma and ensuring a steady
supply of blood plasma not just in the country but also globally,

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SEC. 2. Definition, ~ Blood plasma is defined ax the raw material consisting of the fluid
portion of human blood normally collected through plasmapheresis or by other se ally or
medically acceptable methods, and is usually intended as source material for further
‘manufacturing or pharmaceutical or therapeutic use.

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SEC. 3. Operation of Blood Plasma Collection Centers. ~ The State hereby authorizes and
promotes the establishment and operation of privately-owned blood plasma collection centers,
where donors are allowed to receive reasonable reimbursement for their time and expenses to
encourage and support blood plasma donation. Provided, That blood plasma shall be collected
‘only from qualified donors, and that the entire operations of the said collection center shall
conform with the standards set by the Department of Health ("DOH").

SEC. 4, Distribution of Blood Plasma. Blood plasma collection centers authorized under
this Act shall also be allowed to establish or enter into contracts with third parties with respect
to the construction, operation, and maintenance of collection centers and storage and
distribution facilities for the distribution of blood plasma locally and abroad. Agencies of the
national and local governments are enjoined to provide cooperation and incentives to
encourage private sector participation in the collection, storage, and distribution of blood
plasma.

SEC. 5. Rules and Regulations. ~ The implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be
in accordance with the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the DOH Secretary within
sixty (60) days from the approval hereof.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
other provisions hereof not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - This Act shall repeal and supersede Sections 3(a) and (0) 7, 8,
and other pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7719 also known as the “National Blood
Services Act of 1994”, insofar as they may apply to or cover blood plasma and the blood plasma
collection centers and facilities authorized under this Act, The provisions of any law, executive
order, presidential decree, or other issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause, ~ This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,