MANILA – A committee at the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure proposing the creation of a medical reserve corps, which is a priority measure of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The House Committee on Health, chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, approved the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bills 6809, 6821, 7007, 7157, 7267, 7274, 7331, 7361, 7365, 7383, and 7469, which would institute the medical reserve corps (MCR).
Tan said this would enhance the capacity of the country’s health system in times of health crises such as the current coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
She added that MCR volunteers would be assured of proper working conditions, compensation, and benefits, as well as legal liability and malpractice insurance.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, one of the authors of the bill, said the lack of medical personnel is a key weakness in the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
"A medical reserve force specifically trained to supplement the existing human health resources will ease the burden in our healthcare system," Villafuerte said.
Under the bill, members of the medical reserve corps may be called upon and mobilized to assist the national and local governments in their functions related to addressing the urgent needs of the country’s health-care system during times of crisis.
The MRC shall be composed of all persons who have degrees in the field of medicine, nursing, medical technology, and other health-related fields but have yet to have their respective licenses to practice for reasons such as but not limited to not having taken and/or passed the licensure examinations in their respective professions.
The bill also proposes that members of the medical reserve corps may be called to undergo retraining to maintain and enhance their level of competency and readiness for mobilization in times of crisis.
In case of a declaration of a state of war, state of lawless violence, or state of calamity, the Department of Health may by its own initiative recommend the mobilization of the medical reserve force to the President.
The health panel also approved a proposal that seeks to provide national security, strengthen national preparedness and response to public health emergencies, and establish a national public health emergency council.
Tan said the measure would optimize health security based on the country’s unique risks, challenges, and resources.
Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon, another author of the bill, said the bill would protect the Filipino people from all threats to their health and security, including bioterrorism.
With this, the Philippine Health Security Council would be created to boost international partnerships, formulate a high-level framework to guide the implementation of the Philippine Health Security National Action Plan (PHSNAP), intensify public health emergency preparedness, and institutionalize mechanisms to counter cybersecurity breaches that may affect medical devices. (PNA)
