Marcos OKs adoption of national health objectives

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved the adoption of national objectives to strengthen the country’s health sector.

In a statement on Saturday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)  said Marcos issued Memorandum Circular No. 53 on June  4, 2024.

MC 53 was issued to adopt the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) National Objectives for Health (NOH) for the period 2023 to 2028.

The NOH serves as the medium-term strategy for strengthening the health sector of the Philippines.

The circular, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, states that the adoption of the NOH 2023-2028 was aligned with the Philippine  Development Plan 2023-2028 for the development of the country’s health  sector under the Marcos administration, anchored on “AmBisyon Natin  2040.”

AmBisyon Natin 2040 reflects the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino and highlights the promotion of good health as one of the key strategies towards economic and social transformation.

“Consistent with the above-mentioned State policies, and pursuant to DOH’s mandate as the lead agency responsible for setting the country’s policy direction on health, the National Objectives for Health (NOH) 2023-2028 was formulated to serve as the country’s medium-term strategy for strengthening the country’s health sector,” said Marcos.

The DOH serves as the lead agency in the implementation of the NOH 2023-2028.

The Palace said that the President ordered the DOH to formulate and disseminate plans and guidelines that will ensure that all stakeholders have a comprehensive understanding of the NOH 2023-2028, and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for the implementation of the 8-Point Action Agenda.

The DOH was also mandated to facilitate capacity-building programs and workshops for LGUs and relevant stakeholders; coordinate and collaborate with the private sector,  civil society organizations, and international bodies; and ensure a participatory approach by involving communities, beneficiaries, and other relevant stakeholders.

The Health Department was also tasked to ensure that strategies under the NOH 2023-2028 were integrated, as applicable, into the annual operations plans of LGUs.

Marcos, moreover, directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and LGUs to support and cooperate towards the successful implementation of the NOH 2023-2028.

MC 53 takes effect immediately, according to the PCO. — DVM, GMA Integrated News