Philippine House Committee on Health

Seal of the Philippine House of Representatives

Philippine House Committee on Health

The Philippine House Committee on Health, officially designated as the Committee on Health, is a standing committee of the Philippine House of Representatives. This committee is primarily responsible for all matters directly and principally relating to health, including but not limited to, health insurance, health facilities and institutions, public health, and quarantine; it also deals with issues related to medical, hospital, and occupational health and safety legislation. The Committee on Health plays a crucial role in shaping the health policy of the Philippines, ensuring that the legislative framework supports the health and well-being of the Filipino people.

Jurisdiction

According to the rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Health has jurisdiction over the following:

• Health and health insurance
• Medical, dental, and occupational health services
• Hospitals and other health facilities
• Public health and quarantine
• Regulation of psychoactive substances and dangerous drugs
• Regulation of food and drugs
• Medical and health profession education

Composition

The composition of the Committee on Health, like other standing committees in the House of Representatives, is determined by the proportion of political parties in the House. The committee is chaired by a member of the majority party, with a vice-chairperson and several members representing both the majority and minority parties. The exact number of members can vary with each Congress, reflecting changes in the political landscape and the priorities of the legislative body.

Activities

The Committee on Health is actively involved in drafting, deliberating, and passing legislation that addresses the health needs and concerns of the Filipino population. This includes laws aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing access to healthcare services, and ensuring the safety and quality of medical products and services. The committee also conducts oversight of government agencies related to health, such as the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Food and Drug Administration (Philippines) (FDA).

Significant Legislation

Over the years, the Committee on Health has been instrumental in the passage of significant health-related legislation. Some of these laws have had a profound impact on the health landscape of the country, addressing critical issues such as universal health coverage, regulation of health professionals, and emergency health measures.

Challenges and Criticisms

The Committee on Health faces numerous challenges, including addressing the health disparities across different regions of the Philippines, managing public health crises such as pandemics, and ensuring the sustainability of the health insurance system. Criticisms often revolve around the pace of legislative action on urgent health matters, the influence of vested interests in health policy, and the adequacy of funding for health initiatives.

See Also

• Philippine Department of Health
• Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
• Food and Drug Administration (Philippines)
• Healthcare in the Philippines