Section 17. Lead Agency.— The DOH shall be the lead agency in the implementation of this Act. For purposes of achieving the objectives of this Act, the DOH shall:

1. Establish the RDTWG as defined m Section 4 14.;

2. Coordinate with the NIH for the technical assistance in the implementation of this Act;

3. Coordinate with all government and nongovernment agencies that are involved in the implementation of this Act;

4. Support the activities of the newborn screening continuity clinics and designate referral centers in strategic locations in the country for the timely and sustainable medical management of persons with rare disease;

5. Organize a pool of medical specialists who will be responsible in the diagnosis and management of persons afflicted with rare disease and their families;

6. With the assistance of the NIH and other government agencies, professional societies and nongovernment organizations, conduct culturally sensitive public educational and information campaigns on the nature of rare diseases, identify persons with rare disease and help the general public understand the special needs of afflicted persons and their right against ridicule and discrimination;

7. Develop the implementing rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act within one hundred eighty (180) days from the enactment of this Act; and

8. Allot budget for the implementation of this Act.