Lingayen -- The “Anak Ko, Buhay Ko, Mahal Ko” campaign of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) which sums up the maternal health care program of the present provincial administration received warm reception from the women sector in Manaoag with the staging of the 7th Buntis Congress on May 22.
About 300 pregnant and married women from 26 barangays in the pilgrimage town broadened their perspectives on responsible and safe motherhood through active participation in lectures and counseling on high quality family planning, responsible parenthood, ante-natal and post-partum care offered during the congress.
Provincial Health Officer II Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman informed the participants that maternal health care is a component program of the health care development thrust of the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.
“We also advise pregnant women to undergo four pre-natal check-ups in the whole duration of their pregnancy; and undergo delivery in health facilities to ensure that proper medical attention will be given to them,” De Guzman said.
The Provincial Health Officer said that maternal health care promotion in Pangasinan is made even effective and advantageous to Pangasinenses with the implementation of the Point-of-Care (POC), a joint program of the PhilHealth and the provincial government. Anyone with POC enrollment can avail of free medical services in 14 provincial government-owned hospitals.
Expressing gratitude for the conduct of buntis congress in his town, Manaoag Mayor Kim Mikael Amador said that the activity is beneficial to pregnant women as he cited that this complements the programs and policies of PhilHealth and the PHO.
In support to the maternal health care campaign of the PHO, the town’s chief executive reminded that Rural Health Unit (RHU) staff members and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) to advice and encourage pregnant women to undergo delivery in health facilities.
“Mahigpit na po natin na ipinagbabawal (ang panganganak sa mga bahay) nang mas maalagaan pa natin ang mga magiging future ng Manaoag,” he said.
The buntis congress also included the provision of free-of-charge services in beauty care, dental and medical; laboratory examinations including urinalysis; pre-natal check up and ultrasound; counseling on PhilHealth programs; short lectures on entrepreneurial engagements; and beauty search for Pretty Preggy.
Crowned Pretty Preggy Jenny Cristobal, 32, from barangay Sapang, who is pregnant with her fourth child pointed out that said congress bears relevance to pregnant women in their locality. “Nakakatulong ang programang ito para malaman ng mga kagaya kong buntis ang mga tamang gawi at pangangalaga ng katawan habang nagbubuntis, she said.
Cristobal, who was overwhelmed of her feat, said that pregnant women must undergo delivery in health facilities accessible in the locality such as Manaoag RHU and Manaoag Community Hospital for them to be safe during and after childbirth.
Also present to express support during the buntis congress were: Assistant PHO Jeremy Agerico Rosario; Dr. Evelina Castro, Former President of Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) – Pangasinan Chapter; Dr. Rico Reyes, Chief of Department of OB-Gynecology in Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City; Dr. Donn Doria, Manaoag Community Hospital Chief; and Dr. Raymund Thaddeus Veloria, Manaoag Municipal Health Officer.
/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca
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