Recommendation to Consolidate Key Disease Control Agencies

Recommendation to Consolidate Key Disease Control Agencies His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. President of the Republic of the Philippines Malacañang Palace Manila Subject: Recommendation to Consolidate Key Disease Control Agencies into a Unified Entity Under a DOH Undersecretary Dear Mr. President, In view of the possibilities that new pandemics could again break out in the future, I am writing to recommend the consolidation of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), the Epidemiology Bureau (EB), and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) into a single, unified entity under the Department of Health (DOH), led by an Undersecretary who will report directly to the Secretary of Health. This recommendation is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Philippines’ public health and disease control efforts, aligning with global best practices such as the structure and powers of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Recommendations: 1. Consolidation for Streamlined Operations: o The DPCB, EB, and RITM should be merged into one cohesive unit to eliminate overlapping functions and foster better coordination. The new combined entity should be tasked with comprehensive management of public health initiatives, infectious disease prevention, and control, and public health research. 2. Direct Reporting Line: o The designated Undersecretary should report directly to the Secretary of Health. This Undersecretary should not merely oversee or coordinate but actively manage the entity’s operations and programs. 3. Contact Tracing Management: o The consolidated entity should take full responsibility for managing and controlling all contact tracing functions. This includes leveraging advanced technology and ensuring that the software utilized for these purposes is vetted and approved by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). 4. Expanded Mandate for HAZMAT Victims: o The combined entity should assume direct responsibility for the treatment of victims exposed to hazardous materials (HAZMAT). While the cleanup of HAZMAT spills would remain under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the public health response should be centralized within this specialized DOH unit. Rationale for Consolidation: Improved Coordination and Responsiveness: Centralizing these critical functions under one entity will reduce redundancy, enhance inter-agency communication, and improve responsiveness during public health emergencies. Enhanced Capacity for Disease Control: A unified entity can adopt a more comprehensive and cohesive approach to disease surveillance, research, and outbreak management, modeled after the CDC’s structure and capabilities. Efficiency in Resource Utilization: Consolidating resources and expertise will ensure that funding, personnel, and infrastructure are utilized more effectively to address the country’s public health challenges. Implementation Considerations: The consolidation process should involve extensive consultations with stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, local government units (LGUs), and international partners. A legal framework or executive order may be necessary to formalize the structure and mandate of the new entity. Adequate funding and capacity-building programs must be ensured to enable the new entity to function effectively from its inception. Mr. President, this initiative is a crucial step towards achieving a more resilient and responsive healthcare system, capable of safeguarding the health and well-being of all Filipinos. By consolidating these critical bureaus and institutions under a single leadership, the government can better address public health crises, enhance disease prevention and control, and build a stronger foundation for future health security. Thank you for considering this recommendation. I am confident that under your leadership, this proposal can significantly advance the nation’s public health infrastructure and contribute to the fulfillment of your vision for a healthier Philippines. Respectfully yours, Ramon Ike V. Seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com Cc: Secretary, Department of Health Secretary, Department of Information & Communications Technology Secretary, Department of Environment & Natural Resources Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government 01-16-2025