Creation of Blood Disease and Transfusion Center Pushed

A bill that seeks the creation of the Philippine Blood Disease and Transfusion Center has been proposed by Camarines Sur Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte.

Through House Bill 8774, Villafuerte is pushing for the establishment of a blood center that will cater to Filipinos with hematologic disorders. In other words, it will be an institution dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with blood diseases. Among the services that will be offered is blood transfusion.

Villafuerte also noted that the bill will be complementing the National Blood Services Act of 1994, otherwise known as Republic Act 7719. The act seeks to strengthen voluntary blood services nationwide in case there is an increase in the number of blood-borne infections, HIV threats, and dengue fever.

“This bill proposes to add to this by making sure that the adequate supply of blood assured by RA 7719 is coupled with appropriate research and laboratory centers for hematologic disorders,” he said.

What does HB 8774 entail?

Ultimately, HB 8774 aims to help decrease the cases of hematologic diseases in the Philippines.

According to Villafuerte, the Blood Center will be mandated to adopt and enforce a program for indigents who are in need of blood or blood products as well as those who are suffering from blood diseases.

The Center will be under the direct supervision of the Department of Health (DOH), which will issue the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Act within 60 days from its effectivity. Nevertheless, it will be managed by its own Board of Trustees for policy control and direction.

Under HB 8774, the Blood Center shall be exempted from paying taxes on all contributions and accruals on its income and investment earnings, as well as from all other taxes, whether direct or indirect, on its income, operations, and properties.

P850 million will be allocated for the initial operation and maintenance of the Blood Center.