Council okays birthing station fees

Saturday, April 2, 2011

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The City Council of San Fernando recently approved the imposition of fees for birthing stations in city.

In an amended ordinance sponsored by Councilor Ayzel Macalino, Fernandinos who would avail the services of the birthing stations in Northville 14, Barangays San Nicolas, Sindalan and either in Barangay Dolores or Barangay San Jose would be asked to pay a minimal fee of P2,500 while non-Fernandinos would be charged P3,500.

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According to City Health Officer Dr. Eloisa Aquino, the imposition of fees in the birthing stations was needed to sustain their operations.

“We need to charge fees but which are actually lower than those being imposed in government owned hospitals. Hindi naman kasi pwedeng libre lahat because we have to sustain the operations of the birthing stations. It’s also for the good of the needy who cannot afford high birthing fees. The fees will all go for their health care while they are there,” Aquino told Sun.Star Pampanga.

Together with the imposition of fees, Macalino also moved for the approval of newborn screening in government and private hospitals.

Macalino narrated that newborn screening has become a vital component in birthing that averts infant mortality.

Aquino and Macalino lauded the august body’s approval and support of the two ordinances as they said the vital health institutions could finally operate and serve Fernandinos and folks from neighboring towns.