Two new birthing centers opened in Sta. Fe, Palo towns

By Provincial Media Relations Center
February 6, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The provincial government of Leyte opened anew two birthing centers in a bid to provide quality and affordable maternal health care services to various residents.

The newly opened birthing centers are located in Brgy. Milagrosa in Sta. Fe and Palo, Leyte that would provide more quality health services and pre-natal support to local residents and neighboring areas.

According to Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla who recently led the inauguration of the two birthing centers is the province’s answer to the nationwide campaign to reduce child mortality and maternal deaths.

In the Philippines, it was learned, thousands of mothers die during or after child birth due to poor health practices. In the region, infant mortality rate is at 36 per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality rate is at 231 per 100,000 live births.

Meanwhile, the main reason for the high rate of home-based delivery is lack of birthing facility in the health center in the municipality. Many people cannot afford travel expenses to the Regional medical center or the Provincial Hospital which is the closest birthing facility for people, as well as the expenses for delivery in the hospital.

“Part of the purpose in having birthing centers is to decongest our hospitals in the city. With the new facility birthing mothers can have easy access to the center,” Gov. Petilla said.

As earlier reported, the Philippine Government through the Department of Health has promoted delivery in hospitals or health centers with well-equipped birthing facilities in order to lower infant and maternal mortality rate.

Pregnant women cannot avoid various risks when they deliver in their homes. Without proper medical kits and professional doctors and nurses, women are not assured of safe delivery especially in case complication or emergency.

“Through this birthing centers, we can augment the health services provided to our people,” Gov Petilla added.

On the other hand, the birthing facilities is complemented with Philhealth cards given by the provincial government of Leyte to indigent families.

Gov. Petilla also distributed Philhealth cards recently to enrolled indigent families in Sta. Fe and Palo towns.

The enrolment of indigent families is being made possible through the sponsored health insurance coverage of PhilHealth where local government units can sponsor coverage for identified and verified indigent beneficiaries.