Department of Health (DOH) - Introduction
The Department of Health (DOH) is the principal health agency in the Philippines responsible for ensuring access to basic public health services by all Filipinos through the provision of quality health care and the regulation of providers of health goods and services. DOH regulates health facilities, manages public health programs, issues health-related permits and certifications, and leads the country's efforts in disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response.
What is DOH?
- DOH is the executive department of the Philippine government mandated under Executive Order No. 119 (1987) to protect and promote the health of the Filipino people through the development of a national health care system
- Through the Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau (HFSRB), DOH licenses and regulates hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, and other health facilities nationwide
- DOH manages the national immunization program and issues vaccination records, including the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (Yellow Card) required for international travel
- The department coordinates with local government units (LGUs) on sanitary permits for food establishments and other businesses requiring health and sanitation compliance
- DOH operates a network of DOH Hospitals, Sanitaria, Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers, and regional health offices across the country
- The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) under DOH manages quarantine and international health surveillance at ports of entry, including issuance of yellow cards and health clearances
- DOH works closely with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), PhilHealth, and other health sector agencies to ensure comprehensive health service delivery
- The department has 17 Centers for Health Development (CHDs), one for each administrative region, serving as field offices for DOH programs and regulatory functions
A Simple DOH Services Overview
Example
Health Facility License: License hospitals, clinics, and laboratories
Vaccination Record: Get your yellow card or vaccination certificate
Sanitary Permit: Get a sanitary permit for food establishments
Step 1: Determine which DOH service you need
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
Step 3: Visit the appropriate DOH office or LGU
Step 4: Submit requirements and pay fees
Step 5: Wait for processing and receive your documentExample Explained
Health Facility License: Under Republic Act No. 4226 (Hospital Licensure Act) and its implementing rules, all health facilities in the Philippines — including hospitals, infirmaries, clinics, clinical laboratories, dialysis clinics, ambulatory surgical clinics, and other health service providers — must secure a License to Operate (LTO) from the DOH-HFSRB before they can legally operate. Operating without a valid DOH license is a punishable offense.
Vaccination Record / Yellow Card: The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV), commonly known as the "Yellow Card," is an official document issued by the DOH Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) that certifies an individual's vaccination history. It is required for international travel to and from countries that mandate proof of vaccination (e.g., yellow fever). The Yellow Card is also used as a general vaccination record for Filipino travelers.
Sanitary Permit: A sanitary permit is a document issued by the local City or Municipal Health Office (CHO/MHO) certifying that an establishment has complied with the sanitary requirements under the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (PD 856). It is required for food establishments, markets, water refilling stations, beauty salons, and other businesses that involve public health and sanitation. While issued by LGUs, the DOH sets the standards and guidelines.
DOH Services Overview
Health Facility License
Apply for a License to Operate (LTO) for hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other health facilities. Mandatory for all health service providers.
Vaccination Record
Obtain your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) from the Bureau of Quarantine for international travel and vaccination documentation.
Sanitary Permit
Secure a sanitary permit from the local health office for food establishments, markets, and businesses requiring sanitation compliance.
Health Certificates
Get health certificates and medical clearances for employment, food handling, and other purposes from DOH-accredited health centers.
Quarantine Clearance
Obtain quarantine clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine for arriving passengers, vessels, and aircraft at ports of entry.
Other DOH Services
DOH also manages national health programs, disease surveillance, health emergency response, and public health education campaigns.
DOH Services Quick Reference
| Service | Office | Legal Basis | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Facility License (LTO) | DOH-HFSRB / CHD | RA 4226, AO 2021-0019 | 30-60 working days |
| Yellow Card (ICV) | Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) | IHR 2005, RA 9271 | Same day (walk-in) |
| Sanitary Permit | City/Municipal Health Office | PD 856 | 3-10 working days |
Note: Processing times are estimates and may vary depending on the office, completeness of requirements, and type of facility or establishment. DOH offices and CHDs operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bureau of Quarantine offices at international airports may have extended hours for arriving/departing passengers.
DOH Office Structure
Central & Regional Offices
- DOH Central Office — Manila (San Lazaro Compound)
- Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau (HFSRB) — licensing of health facilities
- Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) — quarantine, yellow cards, international health
- 17 Centers for Health Development (CHDs) — regional health offices
- DOH Hospitals and Medical Centers — government hospitals nationwide
- Epidemiology Bureau — disease surveillance and outbreak response
Local Health Offices
- City Health Office (CHO) — issues sanitary permits and health certificates at the city level
- Municipal Health Office (MHO) — handles sanitary permits and public health at the municipal level
- Barangay Health Centers — primary health care, vaccinations, and maternal/child health services
- Sanitary permits are issued by local health offices, not the DOH Central Office
- Health certificates for food handlers are obtained from local health offices
- Check your local city/municipal health office for specific requirements and schedules
Key Laws and Regulations
RA 4226 — Hospital Licensure Act
Requires all hospitals, whether government or private, to secure a license from DOH before operating. Also covers clinics, infirmaries, and other health facilities through subsequent administrative orders.
PD 856 — Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
Sets the standards for sanitation in food establishments, markets, water supply, waste disposal, and other public health concerns. Requires sanitary permits for regulated establishments.
RA 9271 — Quarantine Act of 2004
Strengthens the quarantine system in the Philippines, mandating the Bureau of Quarantine to implement international health regulations, issue health clearances, and manage quarantine at ports of entry.
RA 11223 — Universal Health Care Act
Ensures that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services. DOH plays a central role in implementing UHC through health facility licensing, standards setting, and health service delivery networks.
Important Reminders
- All health facilities (hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies) must have a valid DOH License to Operate — check for the LTO certificate before seeking treatment at any facility
- The Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination) is issued only by the Bureau of Quarantine — it cannot be obtained from hospitals or private clinics
- Sanitary permits are issued by your local City or Municipal Health Office, not by DOH Central Office — visit your local health office for requirements and schedules
- Food establishments, water refilling stations, and businesses involving public health must renew their sanitary permits annually
- Health certificates for food handlers are separate from sanitary permits and must be renewed periodically
- DOH health facility licenses are valid for 3 years for Level 1 facilities and must be renewed before expiration
- Always check the DOH website for the latest administrative orders, updated requirements, and online application systems
- For international travel, check the destination country's vaccination requirements well in advance and visit the Bureau of Quarantine for the Yellow Card
- DOH operates a 24/7 hotline (1555) for health-related concerns and emergencies
- For complaints about health facilities or health service providers, contact the DOH-HFSRB or your regional Center for Health Development
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DOH you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DOH first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.