Most pregnancy cases in Davao City are unplanned, representatives from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) revealed.
Dr. Michelle Ong of the POGS Southern Mindanao chapter, said that out of the 1,300 admitted deliveries in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), 90 percent are unplanned. She said that out of the unplanned pregnancy percentage, 15 percent are teenage pregnancies. The youngest recorded case was 12 years old.
Ong, a resident obstetrician and gynecologist of the SPMC, said on Wednesday that the city has a complete access of facilities lying-in clinics and health care centers, but most of them do not visit to their nearest centers for early checkup.
“Pregnancy should be a planned choice,” she said during the Habi at Kape press conference at the Abreeza Mall.
Ong said that most pregnant women in the city are also not financially capable, that most of them would still have to rely with the aid of the government. In Davao City, a program called “Lingap Para Sa Mahirap” give zero billing on hospital bills on patients, including pregnant women, admitted on public hospitals basing on indigence level.
She also said that the City Health Office (CHO) reported excess stocks of reproductive health products such as contraceptive pills, Intrauterine Device (IUD) and implanons.
“Only few availed because most of them are hesitant of availing it due to the misconceptions of family planning,” Ong said.
Dr. Mary Lee Lim, also an SPMC resident obstetrician and gynecologist, said that another problem that is that only a few pregnant women seek for early detection.
She said that an estimated 70 to 80 percent of pregnant women admitted at the SPMC are high-risk patients.
High-risk pregnancy, according to her are those with existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and others.
Lim said that the Philippines failed to reach the reduction of morbidity rate.
“The goal was 50 per 100,000 live births. But based on records, there are 200 per 100,000 live births,” Lim said.
In general, Lim said that lack of health care facilities continues to be a problem, especially in rural areas.
In celebration of the National Buntis Day on March 10, she said that information drive for safety pregnancy and responsible parenthood must be continuously promoted.
