MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA)--Access to free quality healthcare services will be made possible for even more residents of Camiguin, as the Mambajao Rural Health Unit (RHU) resumes its operations in full swing.

In past years, several programs and services offered by the Mambajao RHU have been put on hold as local resources were directed towards the local government’s COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts. However, as COVID-19 cases in the municipality have decreased over time, these programs have been slowly reintroduced to local communities here, Mambajao Municipal Health Officer Dr. Lyndon Aclan said during ‘Deeds Not Words’ radio program, March 29.

To combat the rising number of teenage pregnancies during the pandemic, Aclan said the Mambajao RHU is conducting an information education campaign on the subject through its Adolescent and Youth Health Program. Aclan said the program also provides guidance for teens in every barangay on matters concerning physical, mental, and emotional development.

In cooperation with LGU Mambajao’s efforts to maintain a drug-free status, Aclan said the RHU is also constantly conducting drug tests and monitoring of persons through its Community-based Rehabilitation Program to gauge the usage of drugs in the municipality. “Dili gyud na ma-zero [ang cases] kung dili nato hatagan ug pagtagad,” Aclan said.

(Cases will never be zeroed out if we will never put our attention to these drug users)

Mambajao RHU also now offers several maternal and newborn healthcare services. Aclan said through the Safe Motherhood Program and the Libreng Paanak Program, mothers are ensured accessible healthcare before, during, and after childbirth. The RHU also offers newborn screening services within 24 to 72 hours after childbirth, which Aclan said is important in diagnosing and addressing metabolic disorders in newborns that may impede their development.

Aclan cited more programs offered by the Mambajao RHU that provide medical assistance for tuberculosis, communicable diseases, and services such as free circumcision through ‘Operation Tuli’ and mobile dental services.

Aclan also mentioned that vaccinations for polio, measles, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and pneumonia are also conducted through Mambajao RHU’s Expanded Immunization Program for children aged 0 to 5 years. Aclan said these are highly important in securing the safety of our children from different diseases, much like how the COVID-19 pediatric vaccination is achieving the same.

Interested persons who wish to avail of these services only need to inquire at their nearest Barangay Health Center. Aclan encouraged Camiguinons to avail of these programs, saying that these are provided to the people by the LGU without cost. (GDA/PIA-10/Camiguin)