House of Representatives (File photo)
MANILA – The House Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation on Tuesday approved a measure strengthening the local midwifery profession in the country.
During the hearing, the panel, chaired by Bohol Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor, approved the unnumbered substitute bill with amendments, which seeks to repeal Republic Act 7392, or the “Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992.”
The bill aims to promote and protect the rights and welfare of midwives.
It clearly defines the scope of the practice of midwifery, with particular emphasis on the expanding functions of midwives in the community healthcare service.
The bill further aims to expand the midwifery curriculum to a “four-year Bachelor of Science degree”, citing inadequacies in the two-year curriculum in preparing students to deliver competent midwifery services.
Under the proposal, midwives who earned a diploma and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license before the passage of the bill would no longer need bridging courses to earn a Bachelor's degree.
During the meeting, the panel added a provision that grants two-year diploma graduates, who were registered before the measure was proposed, a four-year degree equivalence under specific conditions, such as years of practice or expertise, ladderized education, and other pertinent considerations.
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron P. Salo, one of the authors of the bill, said the committee approval is a "significant move" toward enhancing maternal health and recognizing the vital role of midwives.
“The Philippine Midwifery Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at establishing clear guidelines and standards for midwifery education and practices, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the delivery of high-quality maternal care throughout the country,” Salo said.
“The approval of this pivotal act reflects a commitment to the well-being of mothers and infants, positioning midwives as indispensable contributors to the healthcare landscape,” Salo added.
Salo said the proposed measure not only strengthens the role of midwives in the health system but also promotes the optimal health of mothers and their babies.
“When the midwives are greatly capacitated and their welfare is taken care of, they can also effectively take care of their patients and prevent the incidence of maternal deaths,” he said.
The committee also approved with amendments, an unnumbered substitute bill on measures seeking to grant government officials and employees an automatic promotion to one grade level higher upon mandatory retirement from government service. (PNA)
