Section 4Sec./Art. 4

Specialty Centers.- The DOH shall establish specialty centers in DOH hospitals in every region of the country and in GOCC specialty hospitals pursuant to their respective mandates:Provided,That the following specialties shall be prioritized cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care, burn care, orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose and throat care.

The DOH shall categorize the level of service capability of the specialty centers to be established as NSCs, ACSCs and BCSCs, in accordance with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.

The DOH shall provide appropriate specialist equipment and prioritize funding for capital outlay investment for specialty centers through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program and other fund sources.

The establishment of Specialty Centers or any part thereof, in separate premises and operated under the same management of a DOH hospital, shall not require a separate license.

The DOH, in collaboration with the NSCs, DOH hospitals the Professional Regulation Commission, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Civil Service Commission, the concerned accredited professional organization and specialty and subspecialty associations, and other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, shall ensure the sustainability of the staffing of the specialty centers by developing and implementing plans, policies, strategies, and programs concerning the production, recruitment, training, and retention of medical specialists and expert personnel.

The DOH shall determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of specialty centers, subject to evaluation and approval of the DBM and in accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations.1aшphi1