The senate: The Senate on Monday approved a measure seeking to establish the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC), a specialized tertiary hospital aimed at strengthening health services for senior citizens and the country's growing aging population. Senate Bill 1509 was approved with 23 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstentions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the proposed center seeks to respond to the growing healthcare needs of older Filipinos. She highlighted the increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and arthritis among the elderly. Hontiveros also noted the shortage of specialists and facilities dedicated to elder care, emphasizing the need for a dedicated geriatric center.

The proposed measure aims to institutionalize a comprehensive and integrated geriatric care system by creating the PGC under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). The facility is envisioned to provide medical, diagnostic, rehabilitative, wellness, and long-term care services tailored for older persons. Under the bill, the PGC will also serve as a teaching and training hospital for geriatric care, support research on aging-related diseases, and help develop standards for elder-sensitive health services in coordination with government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders.

The measure mandates the establishment of age-friendly facilities, including barrier-free designs, senior-friendly wards, rehabilitation and memory care units, palliative and end-of-life services, and disaster-resilient infrastructure to ensure safety, accessibility, and dignity for elderly patients. To ensure access to services, the PGC will be integrated into the Universal Health Care system, with priority given to indigent and low-income senior citizens. Additionally, the bill directs the creation of a National Geriatric Health Registry to support data-driven policy formulation and health planning.

Funding for the implementation of the measure will be charged against the current appropriations of the DOH, with subsequent funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The DOH is tasked to complete the construction and operationalization of the center within five to seven years from the law's effectivity, subject to congressional oversight.