272 birthing mothers benefit from free hospitalization program

Wednesday 18th of January 2012

BONTOC, Mt.Province, Jan. 18 (PIA) -– A provincial policy which exempts birthing mothers from the payment of all hospital services while confined in any of the hospitals under the operation and management control of the provincial government of Mt.Province continue to benefit mothers in the province.

In her report during the regular monthly meeting of the Provincial Health Board, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Nenita Lizardo said that there are 272 birthing mothers who benefited from the program last year with the provincial government spending a total amount of P442,481.00.

Executive Order 30, s. 2007 was issued by the past administration after cases of birthing mothers' death have been registered in the province and one prevalent reason given was the non-availment of hospital service due to poverty in the family or lack of the needed money for hospitalization. This is being sustained by the present administration under Governor Leonard Mayaen.

This order is not applicable to members of PhilHealth including their qualified beneficiaries and or those covered by a separate health insurance with similar design and purpose given by other insurance providers. It is not also applicable to patients who opt to stay in private rooms and or “de luxe” rooms of hospitals during the period of confinement.

This program is in support of the provincial government to the fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG), which is to improve maternal health. (JDP/JBS-PIA CAR,Mt.Province)