LUBAO, Pampanga – Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda announced on Wednesday, April 5, that expectant moms who are planning to give birth at the district and provincial hospitals in Pampanga specially at the newly constructed Escolastica Romero District Hospital (ERDH) are included in the ‘no-balance billing’ policy.
The governor made this announcement during the Buntis Congress attended by more than 400 expectant moms at the Lubao Gymnasium.
“Lahat ng mga buntis ngayon na manganganak sa ERDH libre, walang babayaran. Pati mga cesarean walang babayaran,” Gov. Pineda said.
Gov. Pineda also asked the expectant moms who are not members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) to fill out the registration forms to avail of the ‘no balance billing’ policy where no other fees or expenses shall be charged to or paid for by the patient-member above and beyond the package rate for maternity care.
Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial who was also present during the event said the Buntis Congress of the provincial government is in line with the DOH’s battle cry, “No Woman Should Die Giving Life”.
The health secretary pointed out the importance of having pre-natal checkups and consultations that can be availed free of charge at their respective rural health units, health centers and Philhealth accredited government-run hospitals.
Ubial also stressed that the soon to be moms should be aware about the three to five years birth space even if the provincial government and the Philhealth offer free child delivery.
“Reminder lang, may tinatawag tayong birth spacing. Importante na tama ang agwat ng pagbubuntis para malusog ang nanay at ang bata. Kailangan three to five years ang agwat,” the health secretary said.
Former president and now 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who celebrated her birthday with the expectant mothers, commended the provincial government for the success of the event and for the program specifically created for pregnant women.
As part of the Buntis Congress, the attendees received free counseling on maternal care, new born care, child rearing, and family planning. They were also given maternal dress and multivitamins.
LIEZEL CAYANAN
