• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution reminding all hospitals, maternity clinics, lying-in clinics, and other health care facilities in Bacolod City, to strictly comply with mandatory newborn screening and mandatory vision screening required under Republic Act No. 9288, R.A. No.11148, and City Ordinance No. 08-15-759, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Tuesday.
Authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor, the resolution said that health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, recognize that early detection through newborn and vision screening is among the most cost-effective public health interventions available, as 5 percent to 10 percent of preschoolers will have visual difficulties that, if undetected, may permanently impair their development, education, and quality of life.
It has been observed that not all covered health facilities in Bacolod City are consistently implementing these screening mandates. All hospitals, maternity clinics, lying-in clinics, and birthing homes – including the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital – are therefore reminded of their obligation to integrate both newborn and vision screening into standard discharge protocols, maintain proper documentation in each infant’s medical record, and ensure timely referral to appropriate specialists for all cases requiring further evaluation, it said.
The City Health Office (CHO), barangay health workers, and community leaders are likewise called upon to monitor compliance, extend technical assistance to health facilities, and actively reach out to families – especially in underserved communities – to encourage full participation in these life-saving screening programs, the resolution said.*
