The BHS in Brgy. Malino is expected to benefit 3,202 people in seven barangaysResidents of Brgy. Yabon, Hinabangan and Brgy. Malino, Jiabong in Samar need to travel around 45 minutes to an hour to reach a birthing facility or the rural health unit (RHU). Those from Brgy. Yabon spend P75 one way on a habal-habal (single motorcycle); some opt to just walk for three to four hours.

According to midwife Evelyn Abarracoso of Brgy. Yabon, once they’re near their due date, pregnant women are required to live with their relatives near the RHU.

Operation Sagip recently turned over a barangay health station (BHS) with birthing facility to the two barangays. The rooms are spacious and well-lit, with electricity and water supply. Medical and birthing equipment were also provided. According to Marlene Mabini, the midwife of Brgy. Malino, the new BHS will benefit 3,202 people in seven barangays.

On the other hand, the BHS with birthing facility in Brgy. Yabon will benefit 2,048 residents. People from different barangays worked together to build the BHS, said captain Edwin Abanag of Bgry. Yabon.

With the new barangay health stations with birthing facilities, Operation Sagip provides solutions to the three delays linked to maternal mortality—deciding to seek appropriate medical help for an obstetric emergency, reaching an appropriate obstetric facility and receiving adequate care when a facility is reached. Midwives and barangay health workers are on hand to guide the patients in seeking appropriate obstetric emergency care.

Operation Sagip constructed the facility so patients won’t have to undertake the expensive and dangerous trip to receive adequate medical care.

“Aside from building classrooms, Operation Sagip also saw the need to build health facilities for areas affected by calamities,” said Ria Rola, Operation Sagip relief and rehabilitation officer. “Health is one of our basic needs and it is important to help communities where help is scarce.”

Brgy. Casapa in Jiabong, Samar was also granted a BHS by Operation Sagip in March. Five barangays benefit from the project.

Samar is one of the areas affected by Yolanda when the super typhoon struck the country in 2013. Each BHS costs P2.7 million. (Story/Photos by: Althea Cahayag)