BONTOC, Mountain Province – Early Christmas treats were given to 106 pregnant mothers during the Buntis Day on December 5, 2018, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
According municipal health officer Diga Kay Gomez, free prenatal check-up, urinalysis, complete blood count, blood typing, and dental check-up were offered, and a kit containing baby diaper, adult diaper, sanitary napkin, alcohol, thermometer, mittens, bonnet, hand towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap were distributed to the pregnant women.
Aside from the free services, the mothers also learned the danger signs of pregnancy.
Spearheaded by the Bontoc Municipal Government through its Municipal Health Office, the activity is made possible through the doctors, nurses, midwives and personnel of the MHO, the Bontoc General Hospital, the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the Department of Health – Provincial Office (DOH), members of the Mountain Province chapter of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Philippine Dental Association, the Mountain Province Medical Society, and Ultrasonologist Society of the Philippines.
The doctors and dentists present during the one–day activity were Diga Kay Gomez, Raquel Tannao Kanongkong, Marjorie Chaokas, Claudine Dirige, Joshua Fronda, and Ameriza Chumacog-Gamotlong.
Meanwhile, to lessen the burden of pregnant mothers in going home for a lunch break and returning to the venue in the afternoon, free snacks and meals for lunch were served.
The activity was funded from the Gender and Development Fund of the provincial government through its PHO. The kit given to pregnant mothers and the kits that were used in the delivery of free medical services were provided by the DOH.
As mandated by Presidential Proclamation 569, Buntis Day is observed March 10 of every year. However, health workers believe that Buntis Day should not only be celebrated once a year as to them, it should be an everyday celebration to promote the well-being of pregnant women and have a healthier pregnancy.
By Alpine L. Killa
Banner photo: BUNTIS DAY SERVICES – At least 106 pregnant mothers gather at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol and avail of the free medical services during the Buntis Day on December 5, 2018. By Alpine L. Killa