BACKGROUND

The organization is dedicated to elevating the standards of public health through a multifaceted approach aimed at evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of both individual and population-based health services. Its goal is to contribute to the promotion of a healthy nation by ensuring that health services meet high standards and are readily available to all.

     Central to the organization’s mission is the establishment and maintenance of robust linkages among its members. Its diverse memberships include physicians from every Local Government Unit under its Local Health Offices such as Municipal and City Health Officers, Medical Specialists, Medical Officers, Rural Health Physicians, and Doctors to the Barrios. Recently, the organization’s by-laws on membership have been expanded to welcome physicians working outside the LGU, such as those in Provincial Health Offices and Hospitals, Additionally, non-physicians, including nurses and midwives under every Local Health Office, are integral members of this organization. This strong and inclusive network aims to create a collaborative environment where members can share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. This interconnectedness not only enhances the professional development of its members but also strengthens the collective impact they can have on public health initiatives.

Furthermore, the organization actively engages with government agencies, including the Department of Health, PhilHealth, and the Department of Interior and Local Government, along with other relevant groups. This collaborative effort is aimed at coordinating the effective implementation of health programs to harmonize efforts in ensuring a unified and effective approach to addressing public health challenges.

By developing research capabilities and inspiring innovative solutions to health problems, the organization aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Moreover, it aspires to establish international relations, cooperation, and goodwill, fostering global collaboration in the pursuit of improved public health outcomes. Finally, by establishing interlinkages with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, the organization plays a pivotal role in shaping public health policies that have a lasting impact on the well-being of communities.

HISTORY

It was 1953 when the organization was first established nationwide by physicians working in the Municipalities and Cities. Many of its officers and members later became secretaries of the Department of Health. However, during martial law, our organization, as with other active and vocal non-government organizations, went on hiatus to avoid being labeled as rebellious.

      In 1987, it was Dr. Guia Abad, the Municipal Health Officer of Sta. Cruz, Laguna revived AMHOP. Initially, it was formed as a group of Local Health Officers assigned to the Municipalities and Cities of Laguna. It gradually expanded its reach to cover Region IV (now Regions IVA and IVB).

The history of the organization took a twist with the introduction of the Local Government Code of 1991. This important milestone in Philippine history led to a significant shift in governance. Physicians under the Department of Health found themselves transitioning to become generic employees under the Local Government Units. This change brought confusion and conflict, especially with the Local Chief Executive who gained the autonomy to appoint their staff, including physicians. Displaced doctors faced uncertainty and personal vendetta added to the complexity.

This period took the organization a new role, advocating the rights of its members, now under LGUs. As LGUs gained full autonomy over the health needs of their communities, AMHOP became a vocal supporter, expressing concerns and hopes of physicians in the LGUs adjusting to the challenges of devolution. This underscores the resilience of AMHOP, navigating moments of silence during martial law and adapting to the shifting landscape of devolution.

The existence of AMHOP further being solidified by the passage of Section 31 of RA 7305, the “Magna Carta of Public Health Workers”, in which the state recognizes the right of public health workers to organize or join such organizations.