DOH alarmed by 50 maternal deaths in one month

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday expressed alarm over reports that 50 women died from “maternal complications” in Metro Manila alone last month.

DOH director for National Capital Region (NCR) Dr. Eduardo Janairo said this figure is “so high” especially since there were only six maternal deaths reported by 11 local government units in January 2011.

“This is very alarming and we don’t know why there was a sudden increase. We are still investigating but we have to do something soon to prevent more mothers from dying,” he noted.

Maternal mortality pertains to deaths caused by pregnancy or childbirth-related complications that occur within 42 days after delivery. These complications include hemorrhage or bleeding, infection, unsafe abortion, hypertensive disorders and obstructed labor.

According to Janairo, most of the 50 maternal deaths had been caused by bleeding. Records show that Pasig City accounts for 15 deaths; followed by Makati City with eight; Las Piñas with five; Parañaque and Pasay with four each and Navotas and Mandaluyong with two each. Other localities have not submitted their reports.

Janairo warned that “unskilled or the traditional birth attendants (TBA) is a factor in maternal deaths” but he could not immediately ascertain how these mothers have given birth.

“It is very important to have a skilled birthing attendant during a delivery because most cases of maternal deaths include hemorrhage or bleeding. We can prevent this by strengthening the implementation of our National Voluntary Blood Services and ensure an adequate supply of safe blood in government health facilities,” he said.

In Metro Manila, TBAs handle around 40 percent of deliveries. Cities with the most number of TBA deliveries are Malabon (21.7 percent), Parañaque (16.9 percent), Muntinlupa and Taguig (with 16.5 percent each), Las Piñas (15.1 percent) and Navotas and Quezon City (10.2 percent each).

In 2010, eclampsia or convulsions was the leading cause of maternal deaths at 43 percent. Others are hemorrhage (33 percent), medical complication (17 percent) and infection (seven percent).

Janairo assured that the DOH-NCR will closely coordinate with barangay officials to implement “intervention programs” at the community level.

“Part of this intervention programs is to identify the hospital or lying-in clinics near the mothers so that when they are about to give birth, their families would know where to bring them. It is important for them to regularly get their pre-natal care,” he said.

With the help of barangay leaders, the DOH wants possible blood donors among a pregnant woman’s relatives or in her community to be identified to ensure adequate blood supply.

“Although a woman bled profusely during delivery, she can still be saved if there are only blood donors on standby to help her,” he claimed.

Janairo added that it is also important to prepare vehicles in the community that will bring pregnant women to hospitals. –Sheila Crisostomo, The Philippine Star