The Department of Health (DOH) Philippines, established in 1898, is the country’s main authority on health-related matters. It’s tasked with ensuring access to basic public health services for all Filipinos through the provision of quality health care, regulation of all health services and products.
Also read: About PhilHealth: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
The DOH is pivotal in promoting health awareness, driving the pursuit of health-related research, and enforcing health-related policies to Filipinos and their families.
The Department of Health (DOH) operates under the Philippine government as the principal health agency responsible for providing public health services. Its commitment extends to the advancement of medical and health-related science and technology, which, in turn, improves the quality and accessibility of healthcare.
The DOH ensures the regulation of health goods and services to maintain high standards of patient safety and care. Furthermore, the Department spearheads public health awareness campaigns on critical issues such as immunization, nutrition, and disease prevention methods, actively contributing to the well-being of the Filipino population.
Brief History of DOH Philippines
The Department of Health (DOH) Philippines was established in 1898 during the American occupation. Originally known as the Board of Health, its primary task was to control and eradicate epidemics in the country.
In 1933, it was reorganized and renamed as the Bureau of Health. It wasn’t until 1944 that the department was given its current name, the Department of Health.
Over the years, DOH has been at the forefront of healthcare in the Philippines, providing medical assistance and public health education to the population. It has been instrumental in controlling disease outbreaks, improving sanitation, and promoting public health and wellness across the country.
Vision and Mission of DOH Philippines
The Department of Health is guided by its vision of “All for Health towards Health for All.” This vision encapsulates their commitment to provide quality healthcare services to every Filipino. Their mission is to guarantee equitable, sustainable, and quality health for all Filipinos, especially those who are poor, and to lead the quest for excellence in health.
To achieve this mission, DOH focuses on strengthening health systems, improving health service delivery, protecting public health, and ensuring high-quality healthcare through policy and standard formulation.
Organizational Structure
Key Departments and Roles
The DOH functions through various bureaus and services, each with a specific role. These include the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services, which oversees health facilities; the Bureau of International Health Cooperation, responsible for international health programs and initiatives; and the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, tasked with disease prevention and control.
Other significant departments include the Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau, the Health Emergency Management Bureau, and the Health Promotion Bureau. Each bureau plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the health and wellness of the Filipino people.
Leadership Team
The DOH is led by the Secretary of Health, who is appointed by the President of the Philippines. Under the Secretary are the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, each overseeing different aspects of the department’s operations.
The leadership team also includes the Directors of various bureaus and services, who are responsible for the implementation of the department’s programs and policies. They work closely with the Secretary and other top officials to ensure that the department’s goals and objectives are met.
Programs and Services
Public Health Programs
DOH offers a range of public health programs aimed at improving the health status of the population. These include immunization programs, maternal and child health programs, nutrition programs, and programs for the control of communicable diseases.
The department also runs programs aimed at non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes. These programs involve preventive measures, early detection, and management of these diseases.
Medical Services
The DOH, through its network of hospitals and health centers, provides a wide range of medical services. These include outpatient services, inpatient services, emergency care, surgical services, and specialized medical care.
The department also provides support for mental health services, rehabilitation services, and palliative and hospice care. These services are designed to ensure that every Filipino has access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services.
Health Policies and Guidelines
National Health Policies
The DOH is responsible for the formulation of national health policies. These policies guide the country’s health system and set the direction for health development. They cover a wide range of areas including public health, health service delivery, health research, and health workforce development.
The department also formulates policies on health financing, health regulation, and health governance. These policies aim to ensure that health services are accessible, affordable, and of good quality.
Health Safety Guidelines
The DOH also issues health safety guidelines to protect the health of the public. These guidelines cover various areas such as food safety, water safety, occupational health, and environmental health.
The department also issues guidelines for the prevention and control of diseases. These guidelines provide information on how to prevent the spread of diseases and how to manage them if they occur.
Projects and Initiatives
Current Projects
DOH is involved in several ongoing projects aimed at improving the health of the Filipino people. These include projects for the improvement of health facilities, projects for the control of diseases, and projects for the promotion of health.
One notable project is the Universal Health Care program, which aims to provide all Filipinos with access to quality health services without causing financial hardship. Another important project is the Healthy Philippines 2022 agenda, which aims to transform the health system into one that is people-centered, equitable, and sustainable.
Upcoming Initiatives
DOH is planning several initiatives to further improve the health of the population. These include initiatives for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, initiatives for the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and initiatives for the improvement of mental health services.
The department is also planning initiatives for the strengthening of health systems, the improvement of health service delivery, and the enhancement of health research.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Government Partnerships
DOH works closely with other government agencies to achieve its health goals. These partnerships involve collaboration in areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, and health service delivery.
For example, DOH partners with the Department of Education for the promotion of health in schools. It also partners with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the provision of health services to the poor and vulnerable.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Partnerships
DOH also collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in its health efforts. These NGOs provide support in areas such as health promotion, disease control, and health advocacy.
For example, DOH partners with the Philippine Red Cross in disaster response and blood donation campaigns. It also partners with various health professional organizations in the delivery of health services.
Resources and Publications
Health Reports
DOH publishes various health reports to inform the public about the state of health in the country. These reports cover topics such as the health status of the population, the performance of the health system, and the progress of health programs and initiatives.
These reports serve as valuable resources for policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and the general public.
Educational Materials
DOH also publishes educational materials to promote health and prevent diseases. These materials provide information on various health topics such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and disease prevention.
These materials are widely disseminated through health centers, schools, and other venues to reach as many people as possible.
Video: DOH Scope of Work for Filipinos
Check out this video by UNTV News where they discuss the DOH Philippines History and Scope of Work to give Filipinos a better understanding on what they can expect from this agency:
Contact Information
Office Locations
DOH has its central office in Manila, but it has regional offices throughout the country. These regional offices oversee the implementation of DOH’s programs and policies in their respective regions.
The department also operates a network of hospitals, health centers, and laboratories across the country. These facilities provide health services to the population and support the department’s health programs.
How to Reach DOH Philippines
DOH can be reached through various means. It has a hotline number for health inquiries and emergencies. It also has an email address for general inquiries.
The department also maintains a website and social media accounts where it posts updates on health issues, programs, and services. Please check out their contact information below:
Department of Health (Philippines)
Address: Rizal Ave, Manila, Philippines, 1003
Telephone Number: +63 2 651 7800
Website: http://www.doh.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DOHgovPH
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DOHgovph
Conclusion
Moving forward, DOH aims to further improve the health of the Filipino people. It plans to strengthen its health programs, enhance its health services, and improve its health facilities.
The department also aims to further its health research, develop its health workforce, and enhance its health information system. Through these efforts, DOH hopes to achieve its vision of “All for Health towards Health for All.”