QC spearheads inclusivity with the Right to Care Card

Quezon City continues to pave the way in inclusivity with the steady growth of its Right to Care Card program. Spearheaded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Council Office, the initiative provides queer couples the legal authority to make critical medical decisions for one another – a right historically reserved for next of kin.

How does it work?

The Right to Care Card functions through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). It officially recognizes a partner’s authority to give, refuse, or withdraw consent for medical treatments, procedures, tests, and prescriptions on behalf of their partner. This also includes hospital-related decisions such as doctors, staff, waivers, documents – among other typical hospital fare.

The aim here is to take away the complications among queer couples when medical emergencies occur, especially when every moment counts.

How do people get one?

Users would need to log into the QC E-Services portal and select the “QC Right to Care card.” The application process can be continued from that point. There will also be a required orientation which you can schedule here as well.

Applicants need to bring three photocopies of QC ID (for residents) or three photocopies of valid government ID (for non-residents).

A manual application can also be done at the Gender and Development (GAD) Council Office located on the 6th floor of the High Rise Building inside the Quezon City Hall Compound.

Either way, you can track the progress of your application through the online portal or by calling the hotline. Good luck!