Modification of agreement with the Republic of the Philippines effectuating the Act of July 1, 1948

§ 632. Modification of agreement with the Republic of the Philippines effectuating the Act of July 1, 1948The President, with the concurrence of the Republic of the Philippines, is authorized to modify the agreement between the United states and the Republic of the Philippines respecting hospitals and medical care for Commonwealth Army veterans (63 Stat. 2593) in either or both of the following respects: (1) To provide that in lieu of any grants being made after July 1, 1958, under section 631 of this title, the Administrator may enter into a contract with the Veterans Memorial Hospital, with the approval of the appropriate department of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, under which the United States will pay for hospital care in the Republic of the Philippines of Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to need such hospital care for service-connected disabilities. Such contract may be for a period of not more than five consecutive fiscal years beginning July 1, 1958, and shall provide for payments for such hospital care at a per diem rate to be jointly determined for each fiscal year by the two Governments to be fair and reasonable; but the total of such payments plus any payments for authorized travel expenses in connection with such hospital care shall not exceed $2,000,000 for any one fiscal year. In addition, such modified agreement may provide that, during the period covered by such contract, medical services for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to be in need thereof for service-connected disabilities shall be provided either in Veterans’ Administration facilities, or by contract, or otherwise, by the Administrator in accordance with the conditions and limitations applicable generally to beneficiaries under section 612 of this title. (2) To provide for the use by the Republic of the Philippines of beds, equipment, and other facilities of the Veterans Memorial Hospital at Manila, not required for hospital care of Common-wealth Army veterans for service-connected disabilities, for hospital care of other persons in the discretion of the Republic of the Philippines. If such agreement is modified in accordance with this paragraph, such agreement (A) shall specify that priority of admission and retention in such hospital shall be accorded Commonwealth Army veterans needing hospital care for service-connected disabilities, and (B) shall not preclude the use of available facilities in such hospital on a contract basis for hospital care or medical services for persons eligible therefor from the Veterans’ Administration. 72 Stat. 1146 In addition, such agreement may provide for the payment of travel expenses pursuant to section 111 of this title for Commonwealth Army veterans in connection with hospital care or medical services furnished them.