JAN.

7, 2013

NR # 2977

Bill to establish ear, nose and throat center in the country

A lawmaker has filed a bill establishing the Philippine Ear, Nose and Throat Center that will provide comprehensive, high quality, affordable and specialized medical services for the prevention, control and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck (ENTHN) disorders. Rep. Alfredo Maraon III (2nd District, Negros Occidental), author of House Bill 6733, said persons suffering from ENTHN diseases and those who are unable to secure the necessary medical treatment because of the high cost of specialized medical services in the country will benefit from the measure. Maraon said the incidence of ENTHN diseases in the country has become more prevalent and has affected the quality of life of most Filipinos. Maraon said the respiratory tract infections which include colds, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis and laryngitis are among the leading causes of morbidity in the Philippines. Study shows that a ratio of 1-2 per 1000 live births were born with cleft lip or cleft palate and more than a million Filipinos were estimated to have hearing impairments, Maraon said. Maraon said the ENTHN diseases do not only affect the productivity and performance of a person but could also cause permanent physical disabilities and deformities. Under the measure, the center shall be established under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify and consolidate the efforts and programs of the government in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ENTHN diseases. The center shall provide hospital-based services to ensure the availability of medical facilities and equipment necessary for treatment of ENTHN diseases. The center will provide community-based services to develop and implement programs in partnership with local government units, conduct research and external resource outsourcing to implement community-based diagnosis and treatment of ENTHN diseases. The center shall also provide education programs that will pursue excellence and the highest level of practice in the specialized field of ENTHN diseases and other related fields, conduct post-graduate training and short-term courses for medical doctors and

allied medical professionals. The center shall be administered by a Board of Trustees composed of seven members to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health. The center, through its Board, shall adopt and enforce a program for indigents, with bed allocation of not less than 40% of the total number of hospital beds. Likewise, the center shall submit an annual report of activities, accomplishments and recommendations to better improve the delivery of specialized medical services to the President of the Philippines, the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and the House Committee on Health. (30) jsc