Preamble
WHEREAS, the promotion, protection and preservation of the health of the citizenry is the concern of government as ordained in the Constitution; WHEREAS, hospitals, medical centers and other similar entities play a vital role in maintaining a healthy citizenry so much so that their continued operation should not "be hampered by reason of the rise in costs of acquisition of necessary equipment and implements; WHEREAS, there is a need to provide government assistance to these entities to ensure that 'their services to the masses, especially to the poorer segment of the citizenry, shall be accorded at least cost and optimum efficacy. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution do hereby decree and order: