CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Health (DOH) strongly encourages all pregnant women in Central Luzon to have full access to available quality maternal and neonatal health services amid the pandemic.

These include at least four antenatal care visits, facilitybased deliveries, deliveries assisted by skilled health professionals and at least two postpartum care visits which highlights the danger signs after delivery and the importance of family planning.

“During this time of pandemic, access to maternal health services is being challenged by fears of mothers in leaving their homes due to the possibility of being exposed to COVID-19, limited public transportation and lack of support system,” DOH Regional Di r ect or Corazon Flores said.

“We intensely advocate postpartum care as this is the period from the time of delivery to 42 days after childbirth. During this time, mothers might experience physical and emotional changes and even postpartum complications that is why appropriate care and substantial support from the health care providers and family members are highly important,” she stressed.

Presidential Proclamation No. 200 signed, series of 2002 declared the second week of May as Safe Motherhood Week to promote maternal health and nutrition.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “Gawing Mas Ligtas ang Pagbubuntis, Panganganak, at Postpartum Period.”(PIA3) imposing additional restrictive measures shall be strictly followed, the resolution added.

“The continued implementation of pro-active measures is necessary to ensure the utmost protection of the health of the

Filipino people in general and the Tarlaquenos in particular,” Governor Susan Yap sai d i n a statement.

Tarlac is among the provinces in Central Luzon under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from

May 15 to May 2021.

As of May 13, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Tarlac is 5,765 with 1,531 active cases.

The total number of recoveries is 3,961 while the total number of deaths is 273. (PNA)

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