MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – The Disease Prevention and Control Bureau-National Voluntary Blood Services Program (DPCB-NVBSP) of the Department of Health (DOH) convened the first National Council for Blood Services (NCBS) for 2024, hosted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on September 19 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong. 

The purpose of the meeting was to ensure continuous quality improvement in the implementation of the DPCB-NVBSP and the conscientious effort to achieve the benefits of Universal Health Care for Filipinos. Other matters discussed were the reconstitution of the NCBS and its committees; evaluation of the maximum allowable blood service fees; reinforcement of policies and guidelines on replacement donation; no replacement fee, no retesting policy; and direct distribution system. 

The NCBS is chaired by Secretary of Health Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa and co-chaired by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon. 

As stated in the DOH Administrative Order 2005-005: Rules and Regulations for the Establishment of the Philippine National Blood Services Amending Pertinent Provisions of Admin Order no.9 s 1995 (IRR of Republic Act 7719 or the “National Blood Services Act of 1994)”, the NCBS as the governing body of the Philippine National Blood Services (PNBS) serves the following functions: approval of directional/strategic plan of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP); approval of policies and operations of the PNBS and the utilization of blood products by hospitals and other health services; approval of the standards, standard operating procedures and guidelines for the recruitment of donors, collection, transport, testing and processing of blood, issuance and administration of blood components and monitoring of blood transfusion practices; approval of allocation of funds and monitoring of fund utilization; develop the capabilities of the Philippines National Blood Services and Blood Services Network as the need arises; creation of other standing and special committees as appropriate; and approval of certification of importation privileges.

Meanwhile, Chairman Gordon laid down a robust strategy for the Council to ensure that every citizen, regardless of status and background, can have access to safe and quality blood: “We must inculcate that everybody can be a blood donor, that is so important. Secondly, we want to make sure that the price (for the processing fee) is affordable. We created the PRC Blood Samaritan Program to cover those who cannot pay the processing fee. We must be addressing the needs of the public,” Chairman Gordon said. 

“I want the Red Cross to be the co-chair. Alternate kami ni Chairman Gordon. Kapag wala ako, he will take over to run the Council. I also want the PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang to be the other Vice Chair,” Health Secretary Herbosa added, expressing his confidence in the PRC, where he previously served as an elected board member.

The Council shall meet at least quarterly or as necessary depending upon the discretion of the chairperson.