CH sets aside P1.5M to upgrade health centers

 Alarmed with the increasing maternal mortality rate, the Cebu City Hall recently allocated at least P1.5 million for the upgrading of 10 Barangay Health Centers in the city.

These 10 Barangay Health Centers will be turned into birthing stations to reduce the alarming incidence of maternal mortality rate in the city based on the data gathered by the City Health Office.

The City Council chose the health centers of barangays Basak Pardo, Budlaan, Cogon Pardo, Kinasang-an, Alaska Mambaling, Duljo Fatima, Sawang Calero, Sambag 2, Suba and Ermita as pilot areas for the program.

According to the CHO, the increase in the city’s maternal mortality rate was due to the lack of birthing and lying-in facilities in barangay health centers.

The birthing facilities in barangay health centers will also provide free obstetrical services and will be accessible 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile, the CHO reported that the city’s maternal mortality rate was almost doubled from 2000 to 2004.

It said that in 2004, the maternal mortality rate was at 1.40 per 1,000 live births than in 2000 that was at 0.89 per 1,000 live births.

The CHO revealed that the upgrading of those health centers will improve the capability of the health personnel in managing emergency obstetrical conditions as well as providing minimum basic equipment and supplies for birthing and delivery situations.

The upgraded barangay health centers are expected to provide pregnant women with pre-natal, natal care and post-partum care, the CHO said.

They will also provide immediate services to obstetrical emergency in an effort to reduce the city’s MMR to 1 per 1,000 live births. — Phoebe Jen Indino/LPM