by Vina G. Mendoza
The Ministry of Health–BARMM celebrated a major milestone with the launch of three Satellite Continuity Clinics (SCCs) in Lamitan District Hospital, Sulu Provincial Hospital (SPH), and Maimbung District Hospital (MDH). The inaugurations, held during the Newborn Screening Awareness Week, mark a significant step towards strengthening BARMM’s continuum of care for children diagnosed through the screening program and reflect the region’s commitment to bringing specialized care closer to geographically isolated communities.
The vision for a fully functioning SCC network in the region began in 2024, when MOH–BARMM convened hospitals and partners to build a cohesive approach to follow-up care. Seven priority sites were selected after a series of assessments and representatives underwent intensive training in July 2025.
Lamitan District Hospital Launch
Basilan proudly inaugurated its SCC with Governor Mujiv Hataman leading the event at the Lamitan District Hospital aimed at strengthening access to sustained and higher-quality medical services for Basileños on October 2. The event gathered key health leaders and partner institutions—including Zamboanga City Medical Center, the Newborn Screening Center–Mindanao (NSC-M), and the Center for Human Genetic Services–Mindanao— alongside provincial department heads and Board Member Nurkan Istarul.
Sulu Provincial Hospital Launch
The SPH hosted its launch on October 5, highlighted by a keynote message from National Scientist Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, who called the SCCs “beacons of hope” for families navigating lifelong care needs. SPH Medical Center Chief Dr. Nehama Tan-Singki and Follow-Up Head Dr. Shalima Abdurajan were recognized for the hospital’s exemplary performance—maintaining 100% screening coverage and a 99% sample acceptability rate.
Messages of support from former PHO II Dr. Fahra Omar, outgoing Newborn Screening Reference Center Director Dr. Michelle Abadingo, and NSC-M Head Dr. Conchita Abarquez highlighted the long-standing cooperation among BARMM, hospitals and national institutions.
Maimbung District Hospital Launch
The SCC at the MDH was inaugurated on Oct 06, alongside the hospital’s newly funded facilities under the special development fund of BARMM. Despite being only two years old, the MDH has achieved full newborn screening coverage—an achievement made possible by collaboration with nearby RHUs and a strong local leadership.
In addition to the SCC opening, national and regional officials delivered solidarity messages that emphasized the importance of accessible care for Tausug families.
As BARMM’s NBS network continues to expand, the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital (Maguindanao–IPHO) opened its SCC on October 9, 2025. Two additional centers are scheduled to follow, with Tamparan District Hospital and Wao District Hospital in Lanao del Sur set to open their SCCs on November 11 and 12, 2025, respectively.
