DOH-7 Implements Family Planning Services in Hospitals

The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7 is now implementing Family Planning services in the hospitals.

Dr. Jera Armendarez, medical officer IV of DOH-7, said during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7 Forum that the Family Planning services provide information and services for the couples of reproductive age to plan their family according to their beliefs and circumstances through legally and medically acceptable family planning methods.

Armendarez also said that with this program, patients can now go either to the hospitals or rural health centers to seek the right information on family planning and they can choose whether permanent, non permanent or long term methods or pills, etc. in accordance to their needs or want.

This is a priority public health program to attain the country’s national health development.

“Family planning commodities are now available in any health facilities for free and patients can  also buy it in the pharmacy but for the teenagers aged 12 to 14 years old, they will first seek the consent of their parents,” said Armendarez.

“Men and women of reproductive age 15 to 49 years old including adolescents will be accommodated in this program,” continued Armendarez.

DOH created a hotline so that areas that will run out of supplies of commodities can call immediately for additional stocks.

Armendarez explained that DOH-7 will only served as buffer or augmentation to local government units (LGUs) in case supplies will not arrive on time.

“This health intervention program is anchored for being responsible parenthood that each family has the right and duty to determine the desired number of children they might have and when they might have them,” added Armendarez. (rmn/hfg/AGIO-PIA 7 Forum)