The Department of Health (DOH) is the premiere government agency responsible for overseeing the health sector in the Philippines. It serves as the national health policy-maker and regulatory institution and holds the technical authority on everything health-related across the country. Its primary objective: To ensure that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of financial or economic status and indigency, thereby promoting the overall health and well-being of the nation.
As the agency in-charge of everything related to the health and physical well-being of all Filipinos, the DOH promotes public health, provides access to medical cash assistance and healthcare services, and implements disease prevention and control programs. It is the agency that helps you protect your health and access essential health services, so it is imperative to keep yourself informed and avoid missing out on vital health information, services, and programs that could improve or even save lives.
What is DOH?
The DOH stands for the Department of Health, the primary government agency in the Philippines responsible for ensuring public health. It develops policies, sets standards, and regulates health services to safeguard and improve the health of the Filipino people. The DOH also oversees the implementation of national health programs, including vaccination, disease prevention, and health promotion initiatives.
The purpose of the DOH is to provide equitable access to quality healthcare services, promote health and well-being, and protect the population from health risks. It operates through a network of regional offices, hospitals, and other health facilities, coordinating with local government units to deliver health services to communities. By setting health policies, monitoring public health issues, and responding to emergencies, the DOH helps in maintaining and improving the health of the nation.
History
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines traces its roots back to the Spanish colonial period, with the establishment of the Board of Health for the Philippine Islands in 1898. After the American occupation, it was reorganized into the Bureau of Health in 1905. In 1947, following World War II, it became the Department of Health and Public Welfare, focusing on the rehabilitation of health services. The DOH was formally established as an independent department in 1987 under Executive Order No. 119 by President Corazon Aquino. Since then, it has led to the realization of numerous public health initiatives and disease prevention programs, all in the name of promoting health education, implementing vaccination campaigns, and improving the overall health system for its vision of “Health for All.”
DOH Logo
The Department of Health (DOH) logo features a shield divided into four quadrants, each symbolizing different aspects of health and medicine. The top left quadrant contains a caduceus, representing medicine and healthcare, while the top right quadrant shows a microscope and test tube, symbolizing science and medical research. The bottom left quadrant displays a snake wound around a staff, a traditional symbol of healing, and the bottom right quadrant includes a mortar and pestle, representing pharmacy and the preparation of medicines. Above the shield, a torch with wings signifies enlightenment and vigilance in public health. Surrounding the shield is the text “Republic of the Philippines Department of Health” in yellow, symbolizing the agency’s national responsibility.
Mission
“To lead the country in the development of a productive, resilient, equitable and people-centered health system for Universal Health Care.”
Vision
“Filipinos are among the healthiest people in Southeast Asia by 2022, and Asia by 2040.”
Core Values
In pursuing its vision, the DOH follows these core values:
- Integrity: DOH prioritizes truth and upholds honesty, accountability, and consistency in all its actions.
- Excellence: It strives for the best by encouraging innovation, effectiveness, efficiency, and openness to change.
- Compassion and Respect for Human Dignity: The agency also values human dignity and works with empathy and care for those in need.
- Commitment: The department is also fully dedicated to achieving its vision for the health and well-being of future generations.
- Professionalism: It carries out its duties with the highest ethical standards, accountability, and responsibility.
- Teamwork: DOH employees collaborate with a focus on achieving results.
- Stewardship of the health of the people: As guardians of public health, the DOH is committed to sustainable development and environmental care, recognizing its impact on the health of Filipinos.
Organizational Structure
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines is organized into various offices and bureaus that handle different aspects of public health. At the top of the structure is the Secretary of Health, who oversees the entire department and reports directly to the President. The secretary is supported by Undersecretaries and assistant secretaries who oversee the different departments. This is also further broken down into unit and regional offices, each headed by a Regional Director, which ensures that health services are delivered effectively across the country. The DOH also houses departments and specialized bureaus and services, such as the following:
- Administration and Financial Management Team
- Administrative Service
- Finance Management Service
- Malasakit Program Office
- Field Implementation and Coordination Team
- Ilocos Center for Health Development
- Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development
- Central Luzon Center for Health Development
- Calabarzon Center for Health Development
- Mimaropa Center for Health Development
- Bicol Center for Health Development
- Western Visayas Center for Health Development
- Central Visayas Center for Health Development
- Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development
- Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development
- Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development
- Davao Center for Health Development
- Soccsksargen Center for Health Development
- Caraga Center for Health Development
- Cordillera Center for Health Development
- Metro Manila Center for Health Development
- Bangsamoro Ministry of Health
- Health Facilities and Infrastructure Development Team
- Health Facilities Development Bureau (formerly National Center for Health Facilities Development)
- Health Facilities Enhancement Program
- Knowledge Management & Information Service
- Dangerous Drugs Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program
- Office of Health Laboratories
- Health Policy and Systems Development Team
- Bureau of International Health Cooperation
- Bureau of Local Health Systems Development
- Health Human Resource Development Bureau
- Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau
- Health Regulation Team
- Bureau of Quarantine
- Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau
- Pharmaceutical Division
- Office of the Chief of Staff
- Internal Audit Service
- Legal Service
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management Team
- Procurement Service
- Supply Chain Management Service
- Public Health Services Team
- Disease Prevention and Control Bureau
- Epidemiology Bureau (formerly National Epidemiology Center)
- Health Promotion Bureau
- Health Emergency Management Bureau
Overall, the DOH’s structure ensures efficient management and delivery of health services at both national and regional levels.
Benefits
The DOH not only safeguards the nation’s well-being through comprehensive healthcare management, but also offers the following benefits:
- Centralized Healthcare Administration: The DOH oversees the coordination of healthcare services, ensuring consistency and efficiency across various regions and levels of care.
- Disease Prevention and Control: It implements national health programs to prevent and control diseases, reducing the incidence and spread of infections.
- Health Policy Formulation: The DOH develops and enforces health policies and regulations that promote public health standards and safety.
- Emergency Response Coordination: The agency manages responses to health emergencies, such as outbreaks and natural disasters, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
- Health Education and Promotion: It conducts public health campaigns and educational programs to raise awareness about healthy practices and disease prevention.
- Resource Allocation: The DOH allocates resources and funding to various healthcare facilities and programs, optimizing the distribution of health services across the country.
Coverage
The DOH extends its reach through a variety of programs and projects designed to address the healthcare needs of its population. Its initiatives aim to improve health outcomes by targeting different demographics and addressing diverse health challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the coverage and target beneficiaries of the programs implemented by the DOH:
- General Population: Programs like immunization and health education campaigns are aimed at the entire population to promote overall health and prevent widespread diseases.
- Low-Income Families: The DOH provides subsidized healthcare services and financial assistance to low-income families through programs such as the PhilHealth insurance scheme.
- Children and Adolescents: Initiatives focus on childhood vaccinations, nutrition, and adolescent health services to ensure the well-being of younger generations.
- Pregnant Women and Newborns: Maternal and child health programs offer prenatal care, safe delivery services, and postnatal support to improve outcomes for mothers and their babies.
- Elderly Population: The DOH runs programs tailored to the elderly, addressing age-related health issues and promoting geriatric care and support services.
- Communities in Remote Areas: Health outreach programs target remote and underserved communities, providing essential services and healthcare access where it is limited.
- Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: Specialized programs address chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, offering treatment and management resources to affected individuals.
Programs and Services
Here’s a list of some of the active programs and services implemented by the DOH to date:
1. Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis
Aims to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines by integrating TB control into the work of various government agencies through the TB National Coordinating Committee.
2. Adolescent Health and Development Program
Targets adolescents aged 10-19 years, focusing on their rights and well-being as guided by the Convention on the Rights of Children.
3. Aedes-Borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program
Addresses the prevalence of diseases like dengue, zika, and chikungunya, aiming to control and eradicate their transmission.
4. Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program
Involves recruiting and training local volunteers to improve nutrition and health at the community level.
5. Belly Gud For Health
Focuses on addressing overnutrition and its association with non-communicable diseases such as obesity and related health issues.
6. Blood Donation Program
Encourages voluntary blood donation to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply, as mandated by the National Blood Services Act of 1994.
7. Cancer Control Program
Established under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), it aims to improve cancer care and control through a comprehensive national program.
8. HIV, AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program
Aims to reduce HIV infections, discrimination, and AIDS-related deaths by improving prevention and care services.
9. Chronic-Kidney Disease Prevention and Control
Focuses on preventing and managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to reduce progression to more severe conditions.
10. Climate Change
Addresses health impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events that can cause illness or death.
11. Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT)
Regulates therapeutic massage practices to manage stress and chronic ailments.
12. Dengue Prevention and Control Program
Targets dengue, a rapidly spreading vector-borne disease, to reduce its incidence and impact.
13. Dental Health Program
Aims to combat high rates of dental caries and periodontal diseases through improved oral health initiatives.
14. Early Childhood Care Development Program
Supports development from pregnancy through age 3, focusing on physical, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional growth.
15. Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Program
Prepares for and manages outbreaks of new and re-emerging infectious diseases with potential for large-scale impact.
16. Environmental Health Programs
Works to prevent diseases related to environmental factors and reduce their public health impact.
17. Expanded Program on Immunization
Provides routine vaccinations for children and mothers to prevent six key infectious diseases.
18. Family Planning Program
Aims to reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths through improved access to family planning services.
19. Healthy and Productive Aging Program
Promotes health and quality of life for senior citizens through equitable access to healthcare and support.
20. Food Fortification Program
Adds essential nutrients to food to prevent or correct deficiencies in specific population groups.
DOH and Its Role in Philippine Health Sector
The DOH plays three major roles in the health sector:
1. Leadership in Health
The DOH leads in crafting national health policies, setting standards, and providing guidelines that shape the country’s healthcare system. It acts as a regulatory body, ensuring that all health services and products meet the required standards.
2. Enabler and Capacity Builder
Beyond policy-making, the DOH empowers local health units, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders by offering technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and essential resources to enhance the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
3. Administrator of Specific Services
The DOH directly manages specialized healthcare services, particularly those that are beyond the capacity of local health units. This includes tertiary healthcare services provided by DOH-retained hospitals and other specialized institutions.
Video: Health is Life
To explain how important the DOH is to the Filipinos, you may check out this video posted by DOH about what a healthy body means for everyone:
Summary
As the prime agency in charge of overseeing and safeguarding the physical health and well-being of the Filipinos, the DOH is indeed an important part of the nation-building team of the country. In fact, keeping the department up and running smoothly is in the best interest of the people, as it makes sure that everyone is well enough to function. Not only that, the agency also helps provide all the necessary support in everything health-related, be it when it comes to eating healthy, getting vaccinated, or getting necessary medical attention, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. If you have yet to check out which DOH program can help you with your needs, it’s high time to get it done.
Contact Information
For more information or concerns regarding the DOH and how it can help you or your family, you may reach out to the agency via the following:
Department of Health (DOH)
Main Office Address: San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila Philippines 1003 Telephone No. (632) 8651-7800
DOH Call Center: (632) 8651-7800 local 5003-5004, (632) 165-364
Email Address: callcenter@doh.gov.ph
Official Website: https://doh.gov.ph/
Official Social Media Pages:
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/DOHgovPH?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doh.philippines?igsh=MWlib3dqNG9ra2Q1NA==
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@departmentofhealthphilippines?si=KrrCWatJrA1uVwUN
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dohgovph?_t=8opnjbPKYlE&_r=1