As the government continuously seeks to better the lives of Filipinos—especially those living below poverty line—various programs, projects and legislations are being implemented and passed to ensure the people’s welfare.
One focus of the government is health care and with the passage of the Universal Health Care bill, it is slowly, but surely uplifts the people’s well-being as medical assistance is now within reach.
However, there are some who are still in need of additional care‚ pregnant women who live below the poverty line to be exact—that need attention and focus.
As such, Leyte Fourth District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez has already filed a bill which aims for the establishment of a birthing center in every barangay nationwide to better address the medical needs of pregnant women.
Under the proposed House Bill No. 718, it seeks to establish birthing centers in every barangay nationwide that will be supervised by the Department of Health and will provide free medical services and assistance to pregnant women.
“Local health records show that mortality rate among mothers and infants are much higher among mothers who did not undergo an pre-natal care or did not seek medical assistance at time o delivery,” said Gomez.
“Undetected illnesses of mothers during pregnancy pose certain risk o complications that can lead to potentially serious consequences fo the mother and the baby. These incidents usually happen to rural and urban poor families.”
The proposed measure also noted that the birthing centers will have one physician who is a bonafide member of the medical profession; and two midwives who have rendered at least two years of excellent performance appraisal for their service in any government hospital or private health institutions.
According to Gomez, the funding for the initial implementation of HB 718 will be charged to the appropriations of the DOH and what is necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the birthing centers will be included in the annual budget of the respective city or municipality where the birthing centers will be located.
“It is of vital importance that pregnant women take good care of themselves to ensure their good health and that of their babies.
Pregnant women should always seek proper medical services before, during and after delivery,” said Gomez.