DOH Permits & Health Facility Licensing

DOH Permits & Health Facility Licensing

DOH Permits, Licensing & Health Compliance Made Simple

The Department of Health (DOH) regulates all health-related facilities, services, and products in the Philippines. Businesses and institutions must secure DOH permits, licenses, and accreditations before operation to ensure public health, safety, and quality standards.

Our consultancy provides end-to-end DOH permit processing and compliance services, helping facilities secure approvals efficiently and remain fully compliant with national health regulations.

What Are DOH Permits?

DOH permits and licenses authorize the operation of:

  • Health facilities and laboratories
  • Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers
  • Drugstores and pharmaceutical establishments
  • Water refilling stations and potable water systems
  • Food establishments (in coordination with LGUs)

Operating without the required DOH permit may result in closure, penalties, and legal sanctions.

Types of DOH Permits & Licenses

1. License to Operate (LTO)

Authorizes a health facility to legally operate.

Required for:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Laboratories
  • Dialysis and specialty centers

2. Certificate of Accreditation (COA)

Required for facilities seeking PhilHealth accreditation.

3. Water Refilling Station Certification

Ensures compliance with:

  • PNSDW
  • Sanitation and water quality standards

4. Drugstore & Pharmaceutical Permits

Issued in coordination with FDA and DOH.

5. Sanitary Permit (DOH/LGU Coordination)

Required for establishments handling:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Public health-related services

DOH Permit Application Process (Step-by-Step)

  1. 1

    Facility Assessment

    Identify required DOH permits, evaluate facility layout, equipment, and staffing.

  2. 2

    Document Preparation

    Application forms, facility floor plans, equipment list, staff credentials and licenses, and quality assurance and infection control plans.

  3. 3

    Filing & Submission

    Submission to DOH or CHD (Center for Health Development) and payment of regulatory fees.

  4. 4

    Inspection & Evaluation

    On-site inspection by DOH/CHD and verification of compliance with standards.

  5. 5

    Permit Issuance

    Issuance of LTO or certification. Validity usually 1–3 years, renewable.

Why Hire a DOH Compliance Consultant?

A professional consultant will:

Identify all required DOH permits
Prepare compliant documentation
Coordinate inspections and evaluations
Prevent costly delays and closures
Integrate DOH compliance into your overall regulatory system

Most permit denials are due to documentation and layout issues, not facility intent.

Our DOH Consulting Services

We provide:

  • DOH License to Operate (LTO) processing
  • Health facility accreditation support
  • Water refilling station certification
  • Sanitary permit coordination
  • DOH inspection preparation
  • Digital permit tracking and integration tools
  • Renewal and compliance management

Serving clients nationwide, including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Region III, CALABARZON, and other regions.

Request a DOH Permit Assessment

Ensure your health-related facility operates legally, safely, and without interruption.

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Legal Basis

Republic Act 4226 – Hospital Licensure Act

Republic Act 9711 – FDA Act of 2009

DOH Administrative Orders (AOs) on Health Facility Licensing

Sanitation Code of the Philippines (PD 856)

Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW)

Who Needs DOH Permits?

DOH permits are required by:

  • Hospitals and infirmaries
  • Medical, dental, and specialty clinics
  • Diagnostic and laboratory facilities
  • Dialysis centers
  • Blood banks and blood service facilities
  • Drugstores and pharmaceutical distributors
  • Water refilling stations
  • Ambulance and emergency medical services
Key Documents

Duly accomplished DOH application forms

Business registration (DTI/SEC)

Mayor’s Permit

Facility floor plan and layout

Equipment inventory

Staffing list with PRC licenses

Waste management plan

Water quality laboratory results (if applicable)

DOH Permit Validity & Renewal
ValidityTypically 1–3 years
RenewalFiled before expiration
ComplianceContinuous adherence to health and sanitation standards

Failure to renew may result in facility closure, fines, and denial of PhilHealth accreditation.

Common Rejection Reasons

Incomplete facility layout and plans

Insufficient or unqualified staff

Non-compliant equipment

Inadequate waste management systems

Failed inspection findings