Guv hosts ‘Buntis Checkup’

LUBAO -- Governor Lilia Pineda hosted on Tuesday a province-wide checkup for pregnant women, providing medical services and identifying possible risk pregnancies in an effort to reduce maternal risks and child mortality in Pampanga.

The “Buntis Checkup” was held at the Escolastica Romero District Hospital, where hundreds of pregnant women from all over the province attended the event and availed of free medical checkup from volunteer and provincial doctors.

The activity aims to reduce maternal and child mortality cases here by providing the women with enough information and medical assistance during their pregnancies.

BUNTIS CHECK-UP. Guagua Councilor and aspiring 2nd District Board Member Ton-Ton Torres meets with Barangay Health Workers during Tuesday’s Buntis Checkup held in Lubao town. Thousands of pregnant women availed themselves of the free medical services provided by PSWD and the Provincial Government of Pampanga. (Chris Navarro)

The Department of Health (DOH) admitted the rising maternal deaths and the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) grant program of the government has not been very effective since it has resulted in uneven and non-standardized provision of services.

The 2011 Family Health Survey showed that between 2006 and 2011, the maternal mortality rate increased from 162 to 221. This means that the number of Filipino mothers who died in childbirth had risen from 162 in 2009 to 221 in 2011 per 100,000 live births.

Second district Board Member Salvador Dimson Jr., who attended the event, said local government units play a crucial role in reducing maternal and child mortality in their respective areas. 

Dimson said that with the current programs of the Provincial Government, pregnant women should be given access to quality health programs, particularly, indigent women in far-flung barangays. (Ian Ocampo Flora)