HISTORY OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Smallpox vaccination introduced by Dr. Francisco de Balmis, personal physician to King Charles IV of Spain

1805

First medicos titulares (provincial health officers) were appointed.

1876

U.S. Philippine Commission created the Board of Health of the Philippine Islands, evolving into the Department of Health.

1901

Philippine General Hospital extended public health nursing services through the Social and Home Care Service.

1915

La Gota de Leche, the first center for mothers and babies, was founded by the Asociacion Feminista Filipina.

1905

Department of Health reorganized into bureaus (quarantine, hospitals, health)

1947

R.A. 1082 (Rural Health Act) established rural health units in municipalities, employing health professionals.

1954

R.A. 1891 amended the Rural Health Act for more equitable distribution of health personnel.

1957

Restructuring of the Philippine health care system introduced primary, secondary, and tertiary health services.

1970s

R.A. 7160 (Local Government Code) devolved health services to local government units.

1991

The Philippines committed to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat diseases

2000

Department of Health launched health reforms—Health Sector Reform Agenda (1999), FOURmula One (F1) for Health (2005), and Universal Health Care (2010).

1999-2010

Franciscan Friar Juan Clemente opened a medical dispensary in Intramuros for the indigent.

1577

: Dominican Father Juan de Pergero initiated the installation of a water system in San Juan del Monte and Manila.

1690

University of Santo Tomas offered a 2-year medical and dental course; graduates served as male nurses and sanitation inspectors

1888

Fajardo Act created sanitary divisions, each led by a physician

1912