Section 3Republic Act No. 123 shall be applied and enforced., Sec./Art. 3

Functions of the Department of Health The Department shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the people and raise the health standards of individuals and communities throughout the Philippines;

(b) Extend maximum health services to the people in rural areas and provide medical care to those who cannot afford it by reason of poverty;

(c) Develop, administer and coordinate various health activities and services which shall include public health, preventive, curative and rehabilitative programs, medical care, health and medical education services;

(d) Upgrade the standards of medical practice, the quality of health services and programs to assure the people of better health services;

(e) Assist local health agencies in developing public health programs including medical care, and promote medical and public health research;

(f) Issue permits to establish and operate government and private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, schools of nursing, midwifery, and other para-medical course, puericulture centers, clinical laboratories and blood banks;

(g) Prescribe standard rates of fees for health, medical, laboratory, and other public health services; and

(h) Performs such other functions as may be provided by law.