DOH monitors Mimaropa birthing homes

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has begun evaluating birthing homes in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (MIMAROPA) region in a bid to  improve maternal and neo-natal services in the region.

DOH director for Mimaropa Eduardo Janairo said these facilities would soon be required to secure licenses to operate. 

“We need to certify that all birthing homes in MIMAROPA are duly licensed and manned by skilled health personnel,” he said. 

The requirement for a license to operate is in compliance with DOH Administrative Order 2012 – 0012 or the rules and regulations on the new classification of hospitals and other health facilities in the country.

The DOH has been upgrading and modernizing government birthing facilities across the country as part of its Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

”Our objective is to strengthen the capability of birthing homes by ensuring that they are well-equipped and well-organized,” Janairo added.

A birthing facility provides birthing service on prenatal and post-natal care, normal spontaneous delivery and care of newborn babies. 

DOH records showed a total of 571 newborns died while 51 mothers succumbed to pregnancy and birth-related complications in the region in 2013.