28 May 2013- - the National Nutrition Council - Calabarzon convened the Chiefs of Hospitals, Nutritionists-Dietitians (NDs) and some OPD personnel of the various district hospitals in Quezon province to an orientation meeting held at the Graceland Estates, Tayabas City. RNPC Carina Z. Santiago and PNAO Agripino R. Tullas initiated the meeting believing in the importance of empowering Chiefs of Hospitals, hospital personnel and NDs after attending the Health Leadership and Management for the Poor Training given by Zuellig Family Foundation.
RNPC Santiago gave a brief backgrounder on the current nutrition situation of Calabarzon, while NO III Jellie Anne Palencia and NO II Lourdes B. Bulante acquainted them on the following nutrition policies, namely: a) DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-89, Adoption of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2011-2016; b) DOH AO No. 2010-0010, “Revised policy on Micronutrient Supplementation to Support Achievement of 2015 MDG targets to reduce Under-Five and Maternal deaths and Address Micronutrient Needs of other Population Groups”;
c) DOH AO No. 2010-0015, “Revised Policy on Child Growth Standards”; d) DOH AO No. 2007-0026, “ Revitalization of the Mother Baby Friendly Initiative in Health facilities with Maternity and Newborn Care Services”; e) DOH AO No. 2006-0012 “ Revised IRR of EO 51, otherwise known as the Milk Code, Relevant International Agreements”; f) RA 10028, “An Act Expanding the Promotion of Breastfeeding, Amending the Purpose of RA No. 7600, AN Act Providing Incentives to all Government and Private Health Institutions with Rooming In and Breastfeeding Practices and for other Purposes”.
The group agreed on some actions to be taken to ensure support and full implementation of the nutrition policies discussed such as: 1) proposal for budget allocation for the procurement of micronutrient supplements, especially vitamin A and ensure availability of these in their respective hospitals; 2) issuance of Office Order in hospitals re: AOs on MSP, MBFHI, RA 10028, and EO 51 for info of all hospital personnel; 3) creation of proforma tag/checklist for doctors’ use in patients’ hospital beds to indicate micronutrient deficiencies, nutrition services and supplements needed by the patient, specifically those under 5 years of age; 4) capability building for the hospital personnel (Doctor, OPD personnel & Nutritionist from 16 hospitals) on WHO-CGS and PGN; 5) ensure availability of weighing scales, heightboards and other equipments related to nutrition at the OPD section and determine fund source; 6) ensure that WHO-CGS-adoption issues and concerns are discussed during meetings of the Provincial Health Board and ILHZ together with RHUs and MHOs, and identify a system to ensure full implementation of CGS in hospitals; and 7) inquire on the status of the MBFHI Certificate of Commitment of the four (4) hospitals of Quezon assessed (Atimonan, Gumaca, QMC & Lopez).
As parting message PNAO Tullas said that the orientation meeting is just one of the efforts being done by the province to alleviate their nutrition situation and he asked for their full support and commitment in this endeavor. He also mentioned that this achievement shall be part of their legacy not just to their constituents but also to the future generation of the province.
The group will meet again on August 2013 to discuss the updates on agreements and coursework made during the first meeting.
