DOH ROX conducts Newborn Screening Training among public, private healthworkers

                                       by: Gil Bernard Samante, RN

The Department of Health- Regional Office X conducted a back-to-back training on Newborn Screening. The first batch of training on February 26-27, 2015 was for the personnel and staff of government health facilities, of which 35 health personnel composed of doctors, nurses, midwives, and medical technologist from different rural health units, city health offices and selected hospitals of Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte attended. The second batch was for private and government  health facilities. The 32 health personnel who came in attendance were from both government and private health facilities. The 32 health personnel who came in attendance were from both government and private health facilities in the region.

Such training was conducted in connection with the A.O No. 2008-0026 which is an addendum to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9288, otherwise known as the "Newborn Screening Act of 2004". This includes the goal of eighty- five percent (85%) of NBS coverage nationwide.  The training of health personnel is considered an essential way in achieving the national overall target on NBS coverage. It is agreed that with more health workers trained, more babies are screened and therefore, managed accordingly to prevent mental retardation and even death.