DOH to hold ‘Buntis Congress’ in Bulacan

To promote healthy pregnancy and to lessen maternal and child mortality, the Department of Health with the cooperation of the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial Public Health Office will hold a “Buntis Congress” on August 17, 2015, 1:00 pm at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.

The activity that is part of the 15-month High Impact Five Breakthrough Strategies or commonly known as Hi5 of the DOH, aims to accelerate reduction of maternal deaths, infant and under-five mortality; stop the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS); and strengthen Service Delivery Networks.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that it is important to inform and educate pregnant women on how to properly manage their safe pregnancies through proper nutrition and to guide them to do the right way of caring for their babies.

“The PGB will always be supportive to the DOH in promoting good nutrition among pregnant mothers and to ensure the health of the newborn babies. This kind of educational campaign is very helpful to every Bulakenyas in acquiring essential knowledge about safe motherhood and newborn care,” the governor said.

Public Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn Gomez also encourages the pregnant women to give birth in government hospitals particularly in Bulacan Medical Center, where they can get free medical attention and quality maternal health care through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and its Point of Care Policy.

Over 500 pregnant women and women on their reproductive stage (14-45 years old) are expected to attend the event to gain knowledge on safe motherhood, breastfeeding, immunization, family planning, teenage pregnancy and the importance of giving birth in accredited health facilities.