Section 2Sec./Art. 2

Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people, including the right of persons suffering from rare diseases to survival and full and healthy development as individuals through access to timely health information and adequate medical care. In pursuit of such policy, the State shall institutionalize a system that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable and will facilitate collaboration among government and nongovernment agencies and organizations at the national and local levels, private sector, professional health organizations, academic institutions, communities and families towards the provision of early and sustainable care of persons afflicted with rare disease.

The State recognizes the crucial role of research in defining health programs and activities to address the needs of patients with rare disease. The State also recognizes that an effective public education program is vital in helping ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of rare disorders and in preventing those afflicted with them from being the subject of ridicule and stigmatization.