Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 25) — The House of Representatives on Thursday gave its final nod to a measure seeking to establish a medical reserve force that would support the country’s health system during public health emergencies.
House Bill 8999 was passed on third and final reading, with 195 lawmakers in favor while six cast a negative vote.
Under the bill, licensed physicians, including those who are retired or no longer practicing in the hospitals, will be tapped for the medical reserve corps (MRC) to help meet surges in demand for healthcare in times of crises.
Students who have completed four years of medical course, graduates of medicine, and registered nurses may also be recruited and issued by the Secretary of Health with a special authorization to render service. Likewise included in the team are licensed allied health professionals.
The team shall be under the supervision of the Department of Health, which will be responsible for the recruitment, compensation and provision of incentives for members. Recruits will undergo training to ensure their readiness. They may be mobilized partially or in full as may be necessary.
The measure further stated that the President of the country may order the nationwide mobilization of the MRC to complement the military’s medical corps in case of a declaration of war, state of lawless violence or state of calamity.
Members who fail to respond to an order of deployment “without any justifiable reason despite due notice” will be made to reimburse government expenses incurred in their recruitment, training and compensation, as may be determined by the Department of Health, the bill stated.
