To further enhance neonatal care in the hospitals across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the DOH-CHD CAR NBS team conducted an orientation and update on the newborn screening program for chief nurses in Levels 1, 2, and 3 government and private hospitals in the region on August 15-16, 2024, at The Orchard Hotel in Baguio City.
This initiative headed by Dr. Virginia L. Narciso, DOH-CHD CAR Local Health Support division chief, is crucial for improving health outcomes for newborns and ensuring early detection of potential health issues by providing program knowledge and updates to the chief nurses of the hospitals. It emphasized their roles in implementing Republic Act 9288, otherwise known as the “Newborn Screening Act of 2004”, in their health facilities.
The activity highlighted the importance of early detection of heritable conditions for early diagnosis and timely interventions. Also emphasized was the weight of prompt recall and follow-up in significantly improving the quality of life and survival rates for affected infants.
The performance of the participating hospitals was presented by Nikki D. Dela Cruz, Newborn Screening Center-Central Luzon program development officer. Pertinent concerns were raised and strategies to address gaps were discussed during the activity. It was emphasized that there should be a dedicated health professional trained by the DOH-CHD to conduct quality NBS sample collection, transport of samples, and recall in each facility for an effective and efficient implementation of the NBS policy of these facilities.
The activity marked a proactive step towards improving neonatal health outcomes by addressing challenges collaboratively in implementing the NBS policy in these health facilities, emphasizing education and capable human resource allocation, and availability of program logistics to ensure safe, accessible, quality, and affordable services among community members.
NDDelaCruz
