THE Department of Health is intending to replicate the effective and efficient delivery of maternal and child health services of local health of the Cordillera to other regions.
DOH-CAR director III Amelita Pangilinan said based on the result of the services provided to the Cordillerans, it showed efforts were translated into healthier Cordilleran mothers and babies.
In the region, the incidence of mothers dying because of pregnancy-related complications has reduced to almost 50 percent in 2015. More pregnant women were mobilized to give birth in the health facilities at almost 100 percent and increased the availability and accessibility of birth facilities especially at the remote areas.
DOH undersecretary Herminigildo Valle also said apart from the passionate and equitable service delivery of maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition care, the region has also launched and strengthened the “Health for All” on at least three fronts.
The region has made health also part of the political agenda for development through Inter-Local Health Zone, and has upgraded the profile of health in the Cordillera.
Valle said the region has changed its the approach to health, to move away from the outdated medical model of child birth and curative care by acknowledging and integrating the cultural diversity in the delivery of services and has recognized health has multiple determinants including geographical set-up and communication.
DOH-CAR with the technical and financial support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) mobilized multiple sectors and had a successful collaboration between the government and the community leading to a greater impact on health.
Valle lauded local government units in CAR which has viewed health beyond burdensome political duty or a bottomless drain on public funds but a personal and social responsibility to ensure a healthier community.
As the DOH set the Philippine Health Agenda for 2016-2022 they will enhance capacities of local government unit especially in the provision of maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services.
DOH will also ensure the best health outcomes for all, with-out-socio economic, ethnic, gender and geographic disparities, promote health and deliver healthcare through means that respect, value and empower clients and patients as they interact with the health system. It will protect all families especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable against the high cost of healthcare. Good practices of CAR will be also incorporated.