Section 7Sec./Art. 7

Roles and Functions. The Council shall formulate policies, programs and reforms that enhance the synergy among stakeholders and ensure a well-coordinated, effective and sustainable implementation of the provisions of this Act. It shall, as necessary, create experts groups or technical working groups to undertake any of the following key tasks:

(a) Develop integrated and responsive cancer control policies and programs tailored to the socioeconomic context and epidemiological profiles of the Philippines which aim to improve cancer survivorship, make cancer care more accessible and affordable, expand cancer care to include the whole continuum of care, promote integrated, multidisciplinary, developmentally appropriate patient and family-centered care, and enhance the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients and their families;

(b) Develop the National Integrated Cancer Control roadmap with annual targets, priorities and performance benchmarks, for the effective institutionalization of strategies, policies, programs and services in the national and local health care system;

(c) Develop, update and promote, evidence-based treatment standards and guidelines for all adult and childhood cancer, of all stages, including the management of late effects;

(d) Develop innovative and cost-effective cancer care service models for effectively delivering integrated cancer care in the most appropriate settings and improve patient care flow from primary to tertiary care;

(e) Develop clearly defined patient care pathways and evidence-based standards of care for the network of cancer centers;

(f) Set quality and accreditation standards for oncology focused health service facilities, ethical cancer research, health care providers, medical professionals and allied health care professionals;

(g) Monitor and assess the implementation of prioritized packages of cancer services for all ages and all stages of cancer, ensuring that they are provided in an equitable, affordable and sustainable manner, at all levels of care;

(h) Recommend responsive and proactive medicine access programs, including improvements of core systems and processes related to:

(1) Availability and affordability of quality, safe, and effective medicines;

(2) Increased access to cost effective vaccinations to prevent infections associated with cancer;

(3) Diagnostics for cancer;

(4) Innovative medicines and technologies; and

(5) Compassionate use of protocols, as necessary;

(i) Establish mechanisms and platforms for multisectoral and multistakeholder collaboration, coordination, and cooperation, especially in health promotion, disease prevention, capacity development, education, training and learning, information and communication, social mobilization and resource mobilization;

(j) Establish mechanisms and platforms for patient, family and community engagement, especially on protection and promotion of the rights of patients, survivors and their families and their active involvement in multidisciplinary patient care, patient navigation and survivors follow-up care;

(k) Strengthen linkages with local and international organizations for possible partnerships in treatment and management of challenging and rare cases, education, training and learning, advocacy, research, resource mobilization and funding assistance;

(l) Institute the provision of child life services in all appropriate hospitals and facilities;

(m) Establish a system for program review, monitoring and evaluation, inclusive of financial aspects, and submit an annual report and recommendation to the Secretary of Health on the progress, accomplishments and implementation challenges encountered; and(n) Secure from government agencies and other stakeholders, recommendations and plans pertinent to the respective mandates of the agencies and other stakeholders for the implementation of the provisions of this Act.