National Health Trends, Issues, Concerns and Their Existing Health-Related Laws PDF

**National Health Trends, Issues, Concerns and Their Existing Health-Related Laws** Health problem has a huge impact on our economy, the society, and the lives of the people. That is why our government is doing its best to address this kind of health issue or concern. One way of addressing these pr...

**National Health Trends, Issues, Concerns and Their Existing Health-Related Laws** Health problem has a huge impact on our economy, the society, and the lives of the people. That is why our government is doing its best to address this kind of health issue or concern. One way of addressing these problems is through making and passing law that will help in solving the situation. **Policies** are very important in a community or society. They serve as guides to protect the people. They help people in knowing their rights as well as their liabilities in maintaining peace and order. At present, our country already has existing health-related laws. Read and understand the different health-related laws and their importance to the society and its citizens. 1\. **Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines)** The policy of the State that protects the interests of the consumer, promote his general welfare, and establish the standards of conduct for business and industry. **Objectives of RA No. 7394** a\. protection against hazards to health and safety b\. protection against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices c\. provision of information and education to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of rights by the consumer d\. provision of adequate rights and means of redress e\. involvement of consumer representatives in the formulation of social and economic policies 2\. **Republic Act 8423 (Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997)** The policy of the State that provides for the improvement of the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system. 3\. **RA 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012)** A law which guarantees universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. **Four Pillars of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act** 1\. Informed Choice The Act states that effective and quality reproductive healthcare services, which are ethically and medically safe, legal, accessible, and affordable shall be given primacy to ensure the health of the mother and child. Also, the government shall promote and provide unbiased information and access to these services. This pillar also covers the provision for the integration of reproductive health and sexuality education in schools, and other educational settings. 2\. Respect for Life The Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law. However, mothers will be identified to have aborted an unborn child will be served with post -abortive treatment and counseling in a humane, nonjudgmental, and compassionate manner. 3\. Birth Control Reproductive healthcare, information, and supplies shall be made available most especially to poor beneficiaries. However, the Act provisions also that the government must respect the citizen's individual preferences and choices of family planning method. 4\. Responsible Parenthood Couples determine their ideal family size. In addition, the government shall equip each parent with needed information in all aspects of family life, reproductive health, and this pillar. 3\. **The Republic Act No. 8504 (Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998)** The Act promulgates "policies and prescribing measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, instituting a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and educational program, establishing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system, strengthening the Philippine National AIDS Council, and for other purposes" (PNAC). The Act also provides for education and information dissemination in various institutions and agencies, safe practice and procedures (testing, screening, and counseling) in health organizations and associations, monitoring of cases with confidentiality, and programs for anti-discriminatory acts (in the workplace, hospitals, and other public institutions). 4\. **Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)** This protects citizens from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs to their physical and mental well-being. 5\. **Republic Act No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003)** This protects people from the sale, use, and advertisements of hazardous tobacco products. It promotes the right to health and instill health consciousness among them. 6\. **Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012)** The law mandates the prohibition of cybersex, child pornography, unsolicited commercial communications, and computer-related identity theft. 7\. **Republic Act No. 9775 (Anti- Child Pornography Act of 2009)** It defines the crime of child pornography. The Act recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, psychological and social well-being. It guarantees the fundamental rights of every child from all forms of neglect, cruelty and other conditions prejudicial to his/her development, protects every child from all forms of exploitation and abuse including, but not limited to: the use of a child in pornographic performances and materials; and the inducement or coercion of a child to engage or be involved in pornography through whatever means. 8\. **Republic Act No. 8949 (Anti-Hazing Law)** The Act penalizes those who will go too far during initiation rites of social groups (fraternities or sororities) wherein the "applicant" is subjected to severe physical and emotional pain and suffering. Republic Act No. 7719 (National Blood Services Act of 1994) It aims to promote and encourage voluntary blood donation by the citizenry, provide for adequate, safe, and affordable and equitable distribution of blood and blood products. 9\. **Republic Act No. 9512 (National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008)** This Act promotes environmental awareness through environmental education. Various educational agencies, DSWD, DOST, and DENR shall integrate environmental education in their curricula. It shall encompass the concepts and principles, laws, international and national best practices, threats of degradation and its impacts to human well-being, responsibilities of humans in conservation, protection and rehabilitation of resources, and sustainable development through the environment. In addition, environmental education shall also be part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP). 10\. **Republic Act No 8750 (Seat Belts Use Act of 1999)** It aims to secure and safeguard passengers and drivers of motor vehicles from injuries and other effects of vehicular accidents. The policy includes the mandatory wearing of seatbelts by the driver and front seat passengers of any running motor vehicle. The Act also prohibits children from sitting in the front seat of any motor vehicle. 11\. **Republic Act No. 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law)** It penalizes those who will be caught driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and other similar substances. 12\. **The National Blood Services Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 7719)** The Act aims to promote and encourage voluntary blood donation by the citizenry, provide for adequate, safe, and affordable, and equitable distribution of blood and blood products. To attain these aims, the Act provisions the establishment of a Blood Services Network. 13\. **Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act (Republic Act No. 11332)** It endeavors to protect the people from public health threats through the efficient and effective disease surveillance of notifiable diseases including emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, diseases for elimination and eradication, epidemics, and health events including chemical, radio-nuclear and environmental agents of public health concern and provide an effective response system in compliance with the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO). The State recognizes epidemics and other public health emergencies as threats to public health and national security, which can undermine the social, economic, and political functions of the State.