Program For Young Parent intensified

THE DEPARTMENT of Health and the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center have come up with a program for young parents and teenage mothers.

In a recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers-Philippine Information Agency, VSMMC Medical Specialist Dr. Irish Manguilimotan said they are already intensifying their Program for Young Parent (PYP).

Manguilimotan said that PYP addresses the needs of young parents to gather information vital to the health of the young mothers during and post pregnancy as well as the baby.

“Aside from the regular checkup we are also into information education campaign on mother and family support,” she said.

At present, the number of pregnant teenagers availing of the PYP in VSMMC have increased. There were some cases that have been referred to Department of Social Welfare and Development as some of the pregnant teenagers were reported to be victims of abuse.

She added that majority of their clients range from 16 to 17 years old, although they have had one as young as 14.

Manguilimotan stressed that they still extend their health services to the clients they referred to DSWD.

Department of Health has also partnered with the Population Commission in the advocacy to promote proper health awareness among the youth.

DOH-7 Medical Officer Dr. Hayce Famor said that “we are gaining grounds in partnering with POPCOM in giving health education to youth.”

Aside from this, Famor stressed that DOH is ensuring and taking measures for pregnant women to include young mothers to be free from anemia.

“DOH ensures pregnant mothers are not suffering from anemia because vitamins are distributed for free in all public health centers up to barangay levels and other public health facilities," she said.