Newborn screening's full implementation eyed

A Focused-Group Discussion on the Implementation of the Newborn Screening Act took place last March 30, 2005 and attended by DOH Regional Director Lydia S. Depra-Ramos and National Institute for Health's Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, who also headed the discussion. Chiefs of Hospitals and Newborn Screening Coordinators all over Western Visayas tackled issues and planned preparations for the program's full implementation.

The Newborn Screening Act passed in 2004, paved the way for better health care services in the country. The Act, which is geared towards the early determination of genetic conditions that can result to mental retardation, serious health complication, or even death when it remains undetected and untreated, mandates the newborn screening be performed after 24 hours of life, but not later than 3 days from complete delivery of the newborn, except when a newborn must be placed in intensive care to ensure survival.

Included in the plans is the putting up of a laboratory in Region VI, the first outside Metro Manila which will also cater samples from all over Visayas and Mindanao; Dr. Jose Locsin Memorial Hospital as the pilot hospital for the use of Newborn Screening prepaid cards; and for Rural Health Units (RHU) and Hospitals of the province of Gumaras to implement the program.

It is noteworthy to mention that Western Visayas was recognized and awarded the Model Region as the First Regional Health Office in the country to fully implement Newborn Screening in 2004. At present, 33 Hospitals and 4 RHUs have integrated the program in their respective areas, some of which include St. Paul 's Hospital, Western Visayas Medical Center , Iloilo Doctors Hospital and West Visayas State University Medical Center among others.