FREE ITEMS. Family planning commodities are given out for free during the celebration of Family Planning Month on Friday (Aug. 23, 2024) at the Macias Sports Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental province. The Department of Health in Region 7 sent over PHP2-million worth of implants to the province in July. (PNA photo by Mary Judaline Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Health in Region 7 (DOH-7) or Central Visayas has allocated some PHP2 million worth of family planning commodities for Negros Oriental.
Dr. Chona Salang, Family Health Medical Coordinator of DOH-7, told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that the family planning commodities they sent last month to the province include Progestin Sub-dermal Implant (PSI), a long-acting reversible contraceptive inserted in the inner aspect of the arm and could be effective for at least three years.
Salang led a team from the DOH-7 regional office in Cebu City on Friday to attend the local Family Planning Month celebration held every August which was participated by more than 100 health workers, local officials, and other stakeholders.
Salang said the PSI is costly if purchased by hospitals or local governments but if procured through the DOH, the price is lower.
She said one implant costs about PHP2,000 to PHP4,000 if provincial or local governments purchase it while the DOH can buy it at PH 1,600 each.
In a separate interview, Dr. Liland Estacion, Provincial Heath Office chief said they are giving the family planning commodities for free depending on the supply availability.
Other commodities available in the PHO include condoms and birth control pills. (PNA)
