San Nicolas Proper birthing center now fully operational

CEBU, Philippines — The Barangay San Nicolas Proper birthing center is now fully operational and is ready to serve even to non-resident of the barangay in emergency situation.

Barangay Captain Clifford Niñal said the center is open 24/7 manned by a nurse and midwives from the Cebu City Health Office. City Health officer Dr. Daisy Villa, who lives nearby, is also on-call in case a need arises.

The center has several beds and a delivery room for expectant mothers. Niñal, however, said that the facility only caters normal delivery and would not accommodate primary pregnancy except in cases where the patient can no longer proceed to a hospital.

According to Niñal, the birthing center previously ceased operation due to accreditation concerns with Philhealth.

Niñal said he spent his personal funds to complete the renovation although a budget has already been allocated by the barangay. He said he does not want the renovation to be delayed due to the circuitous process required in disbursing government funds.

Ninal thanked Councilor Junjun Osmena for visiting their barangay last week and for donating an airconditioning unit needed in the delivery room.

“Timing kaayo, nibisita si Kons Jun-Jun ug personal nangutana unsay iyang pwede ikatabang sa barangay…Mao to nasultihan nako bahin sa aircon kay lisod man pud og init kaayo…di madag electric fan lang…Mao to, iya ming gipadalhan og aircon unit, maong magamit na gyud ning birthing center,” Ninal said.

Several pregnant women in the barangay have already availed of the center’s pre-natal services and have pre-registered.

“Mahug nga priority ang mga taga San Nicolas Proper ani, pero pwede ra gyud ta modawat og taga laing barangay…Dili ni para sa mga first-timers, pero kung kanang kaanakon na gyud di na madag hospital, aww motabang gihapon ta ana nila diri,” Niñal said. — (FREEMAN)