DOH and NCMF Signs for Better Health in Hajj

On photo: (front) Director Tahir S. Lidasan Jr. for Secretary of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and Department of Health – Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial;

(back) Dr. Abdul Nasser Masurong and Ms. Leonila Odon of NCMF, Asec. Abdullah Dumama Jr., Asec. Maria Francia Laxamana, Usec. Mario Villaverde, Dir. Mario S. Baquilod of DOH and Dir. Ferdinand Salcedo of BOQ

 

On 27 March 2017, the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) signed Memorandum of Agreement that aims to provide health assistance to Muslim Filipinos before, during, and after the Hajj.

DOH and NCMF both recognized the importance of health information and services available to all without discrimination and in accordance with the principles and rules applicable to the delivery of health services contained in the relevant provisions of international law and ethics.

Primarily, the objectives of the agreement are as follows:

• To facilitate collaboration and cooperation between DOH and NCMF in providing assistance to the Muslim Filipinos with respect to the conduct of activities (including vaccination) to ensure the health and safety of our Muslim brothers and sisters when they go on Hajj pilgrimage;
• To clearly define the responsibilities and accountabilities of DOH and NCMF on Hajj pilgrimage;
• To facilitate the development of relevant culture sensitive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for Muslim Filipinos going on Hajj; and
• To facilitate the regular dialogue between the DOH and NCMF on the matters of common interest.

 

The DOH through the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) has, in the past, been supporting the program of the NCMF pertaining to health provisions for Filipinos on a Hajj; a pilgrimage to Mecca that is prescribed as a religious duty for our Muslim brothers and sisters.

The agreement intensifies the implementation of Philippine Health Agenda by improving coverage and quality in addressing health needs of and ensure the provision of health care to all Filipinos whether in the country or abroad through partnering, networking and cooperating with all sectors.