Section 3
SEC. 3. Functions of the Department of Health—The Department shall have the following powers and functions: Undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the people and raise the health standards of individuals and communities throughout the Philippines; Extend maximum health services to the people in rural areas and provide medical care to those who cannot afford it by reason of poverty; Develop, administer and coordinate various health activities and services which shall include public health, preventive, curative and rehabilitative programs, medical care, health and medical education services; Upgrade the standards of medical practice, the quality of health services and programs to assure the people of better health services; Assist local health agencies in developing public health programs including medical care, and promote medical and public health research; Issue permits to establish and operate government and private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, schools of nursing, midwifery, and other paramedical courses, puericulture centers, clinical laboratories and blood banks; Prescribe standard rates of fees for health, medical, laboratory, and other public health services; and Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.