Converting the Western Visayas Sanitarium in the Municipality of Santa Barbara, Province of Iloilo into Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11723

Conversion of Western Visayas Sanitarium into a General Hospital
- The Western Visayas Sanitarium in Santa Barbara, Iloilo is converted into a sanitarium and general hospital with specialty services in infectious diseases, to be known as the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital (WVSGH). (Section 1)
- The WVSGH shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). (Section 1)

Increase in Bed Capacity
- The authorized bed capacity of the WVSGH shall be increased from 150 to 300 beds. (Section 2)
- Any future increase in bed capacity shall be consistent with the hospital development plan prepared by the Chief of Hospital of the WVSGH and submitted to the DOH. (Section 2)

Upgrade of Professional Health Care Services and Facilities
- The existing professional health care services and facilities of the WVSGH shall be upgraded to conform with and be commensurate to the increase in bed capacity. (Section 3)

Increase in Workforce
- The existing workforce of the WVSGH, including doctors, nurses, and support personnel, shall be increased correspondingly. (Section 4)
- The Secretary of the DOH, after consultation with the Chief of Hospital of the WVSGH, and in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management and the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, shall determine the additional new positions to be created and filled up. (Section 5)

Retention of Tenure and Rights of Existing Personnel
- The position, seniority, security, and other rights of tenure of medical and non-medical personnel of the Western Visayas Sanitarium shall continue to be honored under the WVSGH. (Section 6)

Funding and Implementation
- The Secretary of the DOH shall immediately include in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 7)

Separability Clause
- If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. (Section 8)

Repealing Clause
- All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 9)

Effectivity Clause
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (Section 10)