House OKs on 2nd reading bill creating Medical Reserve Corps for public health emergencies

The House of Representatives approved on second reading the measure proposing the creation of a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) which can support the country's health system in times of public health emergencies.

House Bill 8999 or the Medical Reserve Corps Act was approved in a vote of ayes and nays during Monday's session.

According to the bill, the MRC may be composed of licensed physicians, including those who are retired and no longer practicing in hospital setting; medical students who have completed four years of medical course, graduates of medicines and registered nurses; as well as other licensed allied health professionals.

The bill said the MRC, which will be under the supervision of the Health Emergency Management Bureau of the Department of Health, should be "organized, trained, developed, and maintained so as to ensure their readiness to immediately respond to the call of service."

The bill mandates the DOH to prescribe a continuing training program for the MRC. The mobilization of the MRC shall be carried out by authority of the DOH Secretary, upon recommendation of the director of the HEMB.

Under the bill, the President may also order the nationwide mobilization of the MRC to complement the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Corps in case of declaration of state of war, state of lawless violence, or state of calamity.

On the other hand, the DOH may also suggest to the President the enlistment of the AFP to supplement the mobilized MRC for the purpose of providing logistics and manpower for large-scale operations during public health emergencies.

The measure ensured that all MRC members would be accorded protection as provided by existing labor laws and standards. — BM, GMA News