Lack ofaccess to quality birthing facilities, especially in rural areas contributes to the increasing morbidity rate, according to a health professional from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS).Dr. Mary Lee Lim of POGS on Wednesday said the Philippines failed to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
According to the report, the maternal mortality rate increased to 200 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011, or four times the goal of 50 deaths per 100,000.
“When we traced it, they usually come from provinces where there is a difficult access to care like for example, some are coming from Jose Abad Santos and they are already in labor and then they go down, they go to a municipal clinic that is not fully equipped,” she explained.
When they are transferred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center or any tertiary hospital, it’s already too late.
As a medical doctor of SPMC, Lim said they are asking help from different blood banks to provide blood for the patients. Even physicians sometimes shell out money to save the patients.
“But sometimes we can’t help it, it is either the baby dies or the mother dies,” Lim added.
Thus, the POGS is advocating for responsible parenthood and parents should be aware enough to go directly to a doctor or midwife if they feel any pain.
“In pregnancy it should be planned. Remember, when they are in labor, they still go to Lingap when in fact they have the time to prepare it in nine months. The government will help but they should prepare for their labor,” Ong said.
