By Healthcare Facilities Today

The Manila House of Representatives recently passed a bill expected to strengthen the regulation of hospitals and other healthcare facilities and services.

The legislation would address the increasing cost of healthcare services and regulate the licensing of healthcare facilities, according to an article on the Sunstar website.

The bill also would create the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) under the Department of Health, which will act as the regulatory agency for the regulation and licensing of health facilities and services in the country.

The measure is expected to expand and strengthen the regulation of healthcare facilities, the article said. The measure also allows BHFS to approve plans and issue permits or give authority to construct, renovate or expand healthcare and other related facilities.

The BHFS would determine, levy, assess and collect appropriate permit fees, registration fees, license fees and surcharges pertinent to the operation of healthcare facilities.

Read the article.