DOH, NNC push implementation of expanded breastfeeding promotion act

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=671917&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city,%20zamboanga%20del%20sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=8&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2014

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Aug. 12 (PNA) -– The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) are strongly pushing the implementation of Republic Act No. 10028 otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.

Nimfa Ekong

NNC-9 head Nimfa Ekong at the same time urged all government and private health institutions to establish lactation rooms for lactating mothers to enable them to breastfeed their babies in their respective workplaces and to address malnutrition.

Ekong said R.A. No. 10028 mandates all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions to establish lactation stations where lactating mothers can freely breastfeed their babies.

Ekong noted that there are already seven hospitals in this province which have complied with R.A. No. 10028 and are accredited by the DOH as Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital under the health department’s flagship program, the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI).

The seven hospitals are the following: Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center; Jamelarin Hospital; Aisah Medical Hospital; J. Cabahug Hospital; Metro Pagadian Specialist; Igano Hospital; and, Blancia Hospital.

The MBFHI was launched in 1992 pursuant to R. A. 7600 otherwise known as the “Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992” to ensure that all maternities, whether free standing or in a hospital, become centers of breastfeeding support.

Ekong said the health and non-health facilities, establishments and institutions which fail to establish lactation stations will not be allowed by the DOH to operate next year and or the years to come. (PNA)
LAP/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/UTB