Health Trends, Issues, and Concern in the National Level
Over the years, infectious diseases, crimes, and other health problems
continue to dominate in many developing countries.
Republic Act. No. 7394 or as the Consumer Act of the Philippine has
three objectives (Galvez Tan, et al., 2009)
a.
b.
c.
Protect the interest of the consumer
Promote his/her general welfare
Establish standards of conduct for business and
industry
The Act aims to protect the people against hazards to health and
safety, and deceptive and unfair sales acts and practices. In this light,
the policy mandates for information dissemination and education to
facilitate sound choice and proper exercise of rights by the consumer.
Consumer Act 8423 or the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act
of 1997 (TAMA) provides for the improvement of quality and delivery
of health care services in the country through the development of
traditional and alternative healthcare and its integration into the
national healthcare system.
Republic Act 10354 or most known as Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act. Reproductive health also concerns
problems such as sexually transmitted infections. Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is caused by human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which usually does not have symptoms
in its early stages.
The Republic Act No. 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and
Control Act of 1998 was passed by the Congress on July 28, 1997. The
Act also provides for education and information dissemination in
various institutions and agencies, safe practice, and procedures
(testing, screening, and counseling) in health organizations and
associations, monitoring of cases with confidentiality, and programs
for anti-discriminatory acts (in the workplace, hospitals, and other
public institutions).
Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act 2003 restricts
access sales to minors; must not be sold within 100 meters of a school;
and protects people from the sale, use and advertisements. It also
bans smoking in the public places. The use of a designated smoking
area is mandated. On the advertisement and promotion, health
warnings should be included.
Alcohol and tobacco are gateway drugs. When alcohol is consumed,
the central nervous system is affected.
Peer influence also concerns you as adolescents. Here are some issues
that you may encounter:
a. Cybercrime
It refers to a crime using computer network, the electronic medium on
which online communication takes place like bullying, cybersex, child
pornography, unsolicited commercial communication, and computerrelated identify theft. Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime
Prevention Act of 2012 is mandated to protect the citizens.
b. Child Pornography
It refers to any representation whether visual, audio or written
combination thereof, by electronic, mechanical, digital, optical,
magnetic or any other means of child engaged or involved in real or
simulated exploit sexual activities. Republic Act No. 9775, or the AntiChild Pornography Ac of 2009, this has become a pressing concern of
this generation CHILD - refers to below eighteen (18) years and over,
who is unable for self-protection due to: physical or mental
disability/condition.
hazing maybe an option to test an "applicant's" willingness and
commitment. Hazing is very dangerous and proven to have killed many
lives. Republic Act No.8949 or the Anti-Hazing Law. The Act penalizes
those who will go too far during initiation rites wherein the "applicant"
is subjected to severe physical and emotional pain and suffering.
d. Blood Donation
Being proactive citizens of the country, you must willingly help others
that will not harm you. One of the emerging forms of voluntary service
is blood donation. Republic Act No. 7719 or the National Blood
Services Act of 1994 aims to promote and encourage voluntary blood
donation by the citizenry, provide for adequate, safe and affordable
and equitable distribution of blood and blood products. In order to
attain these aims, the Act provisions the establishment of a Blood
Services Network which consists of the following.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
National Council for Blood Services
Philippine National Blood Services
Authorized Blood Collection Units and Facilities
Private and Public Hospital Blood Banks and Blood Stations
Non-Hospital Health Facilities
National Reference Laboratories for Immunology and
Immunohematology
Pollution and road safety are two of the most usual issues that concern
you as a member of your community. Here are some of policies most
appropriate to address these concerns.
1.
Pollution
With the exponential, more resources are being demanded and
supplied to the people However, people do not damage these
resources properly. Republic Act No. 9512 or the National
Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008. This Act
promotes environmental awareness through environmental
education. Various educational agencies, DSWD, DOST, and DENR
shall integrate environmental education in their curricula. In
addition, environmental education shall also be part of the
National Service Training Program (NSTP).
2.
Road Safety
Road accidents is one of the most frequent causes of death
among Filipinos. To respond to this alarming situation, citizens
are protected by law through these Republic Acts. Republic Act
No. 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act 1999 aims secure and
safeguard passengers and drivers of motor vehicle from injuries
and other effects of vehicular accidents. The policy includes the
mandatory of wearing seat belts by the driver and front seat
passenger of running motor vehicle. The act also prohibits
children from sitting in the front seat of any motor vehicle.
In addition, Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and
Drugged Driving Law also penalizes those who will be caught
driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and other similar
substance. The government also puts its effort to destroy sexrelated diseases. Patients who are suffering from this sickness
deserve confidentiality and programs for anti-discriminatory acts
in the workplace, hospitals, and other public institution.
Pillars of Reproductive Health. The Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act builds its foundation on four pillars.
Pillar 1. Informed Choice
Pillar 2. Respect for Life
c. Hazing
Pillar 3. Birth Control
Fraternities and sororities, gangs, and social groups are starting to
become and more identified and publicized. For some of these groups,
Pillar 4. Responsible Parenthood
Pillar 1: INFORMED CHOICE
To ensure the health of the mother and the child, an effective and
quality reproductive healthcare services, which are ethically and
medically safe, legal, accessible, and affordable, shall be given primacy
to them. The government shall also promote and provide unbiased
information and access to these services. This pillar also covers the
provision for the integration of reproductive health and sexuality
education in schools, and other educational settings.
Pillar 2: RESPECT FOR LIFE
Consumer Act. Provides for the regulation of products and services
being sold and offered in the country
National Blood Services Act. Describes the blood donation program in
the country
Anti-Hazing Law. Prohibits physical and emotional harm and abuse as
initiation to a certain social group
Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law. Penalizes vehicle drivers who
are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Policy making and strategyformulating body in planning and formulation of policies and program
on drug prevention and control.
The Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law.
However, mothers who will be identified to have aborted an unborn
child will be served with post-abortive treatment and counseling in a
humane, nonjudgmental, and compassionate manner.
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Provides for the regulation of
narcotic and other related substances being sold/imported in the
country
Pillar 3: BIRTH CONTROL
Seat Belts Use Act. Penalizes vehicle users who will not wear safety
belts while on the road
Reproductive healthcare, information, and supplies shall be made
available most especially to poor beneficiaries. However, the Act also
provides that the government must respect the citizen’s individual
preferences and choices of family planning method.
Pillar 4: RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
Couples determine their ideal family size. In addition, the government
shall equip each parent with needed information in all aspects of
family life, reproductive health, and this pillar.
Drug Classification
Stimulants
o
o
o
o
Caffeine
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Tobacco
Depressants
o
o
o
o
Aerosol
Barbiturates
Valium
Alcohol
Inhalants
o
o
o
o
Paints
Paint thinner
Gasoline
Acetone
National Environmental Awareness and Education Act. Provides for
the inclusion of environmental education programs in various national
institutions
Tobacco Regulation Act. Supervises the legal production of cigarettes
in the country
Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act. Provides assistance for
the prevention and control of AIDS
Traditional and Alternative Medicines Act. Identifies scientifically
proven herbs as medicinal plants
Anti-Child Pornography Act. Protects children from any malicious acts
online
Cybercrime Prevention Act. Provides for criminal offenses committed
online
Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. Provides for
maternal and child healthcare, family planning, and responsible
parenthood