The Provincial Health Office (PHO) on Friday said it expects no post-quarantine baby boom in Palawan.
Dr. Mary Ann Navarro, the provincial health officer, told Palawan Daily News (PDN) that while an increase in birth rate due to the pandemic quarantine is actually possible, there is a low probability of experiencing it here in the province.
“I think there is no problem, kasi puwede naman silang manghingi anytime ng contraceptives at saka condoms sa RHU o kaya sa City Health. Siguro hindi naman, kasi mag-iingat din ‘yong mga tao kasi ang hirap ma-ospital ngayon ‘diba, mahirap din dumami ang anak kasi marami kang pakakainin, ‘yong ganoon. I think they will find a way to protect themselves at saka para hindi mabuntis, kasi ang hirap kaya ng panahon. Oo hindi naman [ganoon kalaki ang expectation namin to have a post-quarantine baby boom],” said Navarro.
Dr. Navarro said the distribution of “supplies and commodities” for family planning is continuous even in the midst of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Navarro also stated the province-wide programs for family planning did not stop amid the pandemic quarantine.
“Ongoing naman ‘yong programs natin sa family planning so walang problema doon. Nagpadala naman ng maraming commodities, hindi naman tayo nagkulang doon. In place naman ‘yong mga commodities ng for family planning, walang masyadong kulang sa ganoon,” said Navarro.
She further stated this is the first time so far in Palawan history to have a community quarantine, wherein PHO has nothing to look back on to determine at least to some extent its concrete effect on birth rate.
She added that while they expect no significant increase in pregnancy rate due to the pandemic quarantine, it is important for health workers to continue reminding couples about family planning during COVID-19 crisis.
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