Maternal mortality rate in city seen reduced by 2015
WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION
PREGNANT women in Dagupan City were treated to a day-long free clinic on March 10 as part of the observance of the 5th National Buntis Day, in conjunction with the celebration of International Women’s Month.
Held at the CSI Stadia and Jimmy Fernandez Center, the National Buntis Day is provided for in Proclamation No. 569 issued on March 9, 2004.
In the day-long activity, the province and the city government renewed their commitment to reduce, if not eliminate, the mortality rate of mothers.
A report from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) indicates that the Philippines is among the few nations in Southeast Asia that ranks high in maternal mortality.
Dr. Ellen Manzano, POGS regional director, said national statistics show that 200 women die for every 100,000 live births and that out of 10 deliveries; eight are being delivered outside medical facilities or hospitals.
Dr. Ma. Corazon Gamilla, POGS national president, and other POGS officers led the day-long observance that started with a motorcade and followed by a symposium, lectures and exhibits.
The expectant mothers were fetched from their homes by the Dagupan City government and brought to the Stadia.
Gamilla said POGS, with its 3,000 members throughout the country, is helping train midwives so they can handle deliveries of babies even in the rural areas.
The Millennium Development Goal aims to reduce maternal mortality to 52 per 100,000 live birth by 2015.
She said the lowest mortality rate achieved in the country was 10 years ago when it was 162 deaths per 100,000 live births but still it was “way, way higher than what it should be then”.
Other ranking POGS officers who attended the national celebration included Dr. Rosendo Roque, who worked for the issuance of Proclamation 569, Dr. Mayumi Bismark, Dr. Evangeline de Vera, POGS Region 1 president, and Dr. Amelia Cayabyab.
Dagupan City Administrator Alvin Fernandez thanked the POGS for choosing Dagupan City as the venue for the national celebration.—LM
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