The Provincial Health Office holds a review for medical workers on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC), providing proper healthcare and emergency treatment for maternal and infant death prevention in Bohol.

Held on Dec 20 at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Capitol Building in Tagbilaran City, 80 medical workers, composed of; midwives, doctors, and nurses, attended the review on medical interventions, referral systems, and strategies to reduce maternal mortality in Bohol. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center healthcare experts attended the event to talk about the dos and don’ts of maternity care, with Dr. Ma. Trinidad Cabaron, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology head, along with Dr. Marjorie Aventurado, Dr. Lucci Dianne Elemeos, and Dr. Shary Manuta- Baton of the Department of Pediatrics.

Machiavillia Luida M. Caliao, Provincial MNCHN Coordinator, said medical workers must undergo another review to ensure good quality medical services as the whole continuum of pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal are crucial stages for maternity care.

“We try to improve maternal care in Bohol to ensure that women do not face any complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Medical workers must be full-equipped with life-saving knowledge, especially during emergencies,” Caliao said.

She mentioned symptoms such as eclampsia, hypertension, or hemorrhages are complications that often lead to maternal death. An open forum occurred during the review for health workers to express their concerns and what areas they need to improve in providing maternal healthcare.

As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, PHO is eager to improve maternity healthcare in Bohol through better maternal death prevention programs.