Antenatal and postnatal checkups, which are crucial in detecting possible complications and ensuring the safety of the mother and her baby, were heavily affected by the COVID-19 curbs. In 2020 when the pandemic started, antenatal care fell to 83 percent from 87 percent the previous year. It slightly recovered to 84 percent in 2021.
Danilo attributed this to more patients “being aware” of the healthcare services available at government health facilities as provided for under the UHC. “They are not scared anymore to give birth at facilities,” he noted. “All services will be paid for, whether the hospital is public or private … as long as the provider is accredited by PhilHealth .”
The current trend, Danilo said, is “a good indicator” as the Philippines aims to meet the United Nations’ sustainable development goals of bringing down the maternal mortality ratio to 70 by 2030.