Under the Senate version, the PRIM shall continue to perform its current functions through its Clinical Research Division, Laboratory Research Division, and Biologics Manufacturing Division; perform expanded functions involving infectious and non-infectious diseases, specifically on health evidence and health laboratories; work together with the other centers of the CDC, namely, the Center for Health Statistics; and the Center for Surveillance and Epidemiology.
The measure proposes the CDC to be placed under the Health secretary's office. It will act as a technical authority on forecasting, analysis, strategy, and standards development for the prevention and control of all diseases of public health importance and health security events, whether domestic or international in origin.
Through this measure, Cayetano said a framework will be adopted which aims to foster a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach that would streamline science-based decision-making and policy-making, especially during public health emergencies. The functions of RITM and the other centers were also harmonized with the existing offices and units within the DOH, she added.
Before she ended her sponsorship, Cayetano said the bill seeks to exempt consultants, scientists and advisers from standard salary grades for government workers as she emphasized the need to strengthen the country's healthcare system and improve the benefits that the government provides.on third and final reading the counterpart measure of SB 1869.—LDF, GMA Integrated News