OPENING THE CCDC BIRTHING CLINIC

AN ACADEMIC LABORATORY, AS A HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSIVE FACILITY FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE FOR ALL

The CCDC Birthing Clinic, from its initial concept as a mere laboratory for the clinical learning experiences of BS Midwifery students, emerged as a health crisis responsive facility for maternal and child care when COVID-19 pandemic had exhausted hospital facilities in the locality. CCDC, instead of closing its doors during the pandemic, took the innovative step to transform an educational birthing clinic to an active and responsive health facility that is patronized by the public, especially the low income groups.  Its policies have expanded to include Philhealth accreditation in order to make possible the accessibility of its health care services even to the marginalized sector of society, particularly the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera, in the Northern Philippines. Furthermore, it contracted the services of consulting physicians, gynecology and pediatrician, in order to cater to more complex patient cases that may not be managed by the expertise of registered midwives. At the height of stringent lockdowns, it managed to acquire the necessary license and permit from the Department of Health to expand its physical plant by increasing its bed capacity, from a single bed capacity to a five-bed capacity to cater to the increasing demand. With these, there are valuable impacts to students and faculty with positive responses from the public and the government as well. Its vision has transcended to becoming a maternal and child care facility that is accessible to all at all times. It shall continue to contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals particularly on “good health and well-being” (SDG #3) as it establishes its PCAC Framework with components, namely: (1) Preparedness on 5Ps (Policies, Programs, People, Partnerships, and Physical Plant), (2) Crisis Management Response, (3) Assessment of Response, and (4) Continuous Preparedness Plan.

The CCDC Birthing Clinic’s DOH-Licensed is now upgraded into a 5-bed capacity facility! Kudos to our Midwives, Nurses, MD Consultants! We continue to bring quality maternal and child care closer to our community!