City promotes maternal and child health care
BALON DAGUPAN NEWS
By Patrick Cendreda
DAGUPAN CITY – The Region I Medical Center, in coordination with the Dagupan City government, conducted a Maternal and Child Health Mini-Symposium attended by city’s barangay nurses and midwives last August 27.
The program, which aims to ensure the maintenance of health and well-being of mothers during pregnancy, focused on the importance of pre-natal health care.
In the same symposium, which is a part of this month’s observance of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the local health sector also initiated the campaign urging mothers to practice breastfeeding.
Recognizing the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, Dr. Gwen Luna, GAD & Lactation Program Coordinator, said that breast milk is the best form of nutrition for babies. Aside from its nutritional and economical value, breastfeeding also fosters bonding between the mother and her child.
“Breast milk is easily available, easily digestible, and contains antibodies that protects the baby against infections. That is why we are encouraging the barangay nurses to promote it [breastfeeding] within the community,” said Luna.
The City Health Office also reminded pregnant women to undergo facility-based delivery in hospitals and not in their own homes to assure that proper healthcare procedures are in place before, during and after delivery.
Mayor Belen Fernandez said the local government considers maternal and infant health as one of the top priorities under her Alagang Balon Dagupan program. These include providing quality medical services and PhilHealth cards to pregnant women, in a bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
“The reduction of child mortality and the improvement of maternal health take the lead in the MDG for the area of health. I hope that with this training, we would be more equipped to reach out and care for the mothers and children of this city,” said Fernandez.
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