Social service mission for pregnant women held

ARAYAT — Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad and Gov. Lilia Pineda led the town-wide medical mission for pregnant women here, as part of the Provincial Government’s initiative of combating child and maternal deaths in the province. 

Trinidad told Sun.Star Pampanga that close to 150 pregnant women from all over the town availed of free medicines, vitamins and pre-natal checkups at the Dr. Emigdio Cruz, Sr. Memorial District Hospital (formerly Arayat District Hospital) in Barangay Lacquios attended by Board Members Olga Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon, Trina Dizon and Monina Laus.

“This mission serves as our support effort to educate pregnant women here on the risks of pregnancy, coupled with Gov. Lilia Pineda’s health assistance,” Trinidad said.

The mission also gave pregnancy kits while Gov. Lilia Pineda expressed support for indigent women undergoing risk pregnancies. The medical mission is part of the series of ‘Buntis Checkups’ started by Pineda in Lubao and is expected to be conducted in various towns of the province.

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.

Committee on Health chairman Board Member Monina Laus said there is a need to fully address the problem on maternal and child care before and after pregnancy.  She added that government and community leaders should now play an active role in this advocacy.  (Ian Ocampo Flora)