Noy signs nat’l health research system bill

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has signed into law a bill seeking to institutionalize the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) to improve the quality of life of Filipinos through health research and development initiatives.

Republic Act 10532, the Philippine National Health Research System Act of 2013, was signed into law last May 7.

The PNHRS was institutionalized within the mandate of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the overall coordinating body for health research in the country.

It was initiated through a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Health in 2003 and 2007.

Under the new law, the PNHRS shall be comprised of a governing council whose chairmen are the secretary of science and technology and the secretary of health.

Members are the chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, the chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila, the executive director of the National Nutrition Council, director of Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and five representatives from the private sector.

The PNHRS’s main powers and functions are to set policies and directions, periodically review and approve long-term plans and programs, evaluate and approve the National Unified Health Research agenda, among others. 

The PNHRS shall also be comprised of the technical working committees and the secretariat to provide technical and administrative support in research and development management, institution development and finance and administration. 

The PNHRS aims to promote good governance among health research organizations through efficient, effective, transparent and ethical health research management system, engage in national and international partnerships and networks for health research development and ensure sustainability of resources for health research.