By: Amor Saludar
CEBU CITY August 17, (PIA) -- All massage centers and funeral parlors in the region are required to obtain a sanitary permit by the first quarter of 2012 or else face closure of their operations, the Department of Health (DOH) here warned.
DOH-7 Environmental and Occupational Health Coordinator Eng. Evangeline Canoneo in a recent AGIO Forum said the move aims to ensure the safety of the public and conduct appropriate care for the dead.
Part of the requirement for sanitary permit is the acquisition of a license or a certificate of training for massage therapists and embalmers from institutions accredited by DOH, this is said.
Canoneo said as present there is one training institution for embalming and another one for massage therapy in Cebu accredited by the DOH-7 to facilitate trainings for embalming and massage therapy.
Curriculums and training modules of these institutions are mandated by the DOH based on the new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and on the Caring of Dead Persons and Disposal and Sanitation Code of DOH.
The DOH is responsible for conducting the licensure exam and the issuance of the training certificate as license to those who will pass the said exam.
Canoneo added that obtaining a license professionalizes the work of massage therapists and embalmers and thus, uplift their dignity.
The sanitary permit on the other hand, also covers the toilet, water, solid waste disposal, facilities and other equipment and apparatuses acquired by the establishment, this is learned.
The DOH-7 official said they would strictly implement this move and that those establishments found without the sanitary permit by the first quarter of next year would be given three notices and failure to obtain the said permit after three warnings warrant closure order or cease operations.