Proposed newborn screening ordinance under review

THE City Council committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance, chaired by Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane, is reviewing the proposed ordinance that seeks to institutionalize newborn screening in the city.

The said proposed measure, authored by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, is designed to ensure early detection and intervention for infants with illnesses to improve child health outcomes.

During the recent meeting, Vice Mayor Rodriguez emphasized the importance of newborn screening to ensure that newborns in the city benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.

She also urged the J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) and the City Legal Office to submit their comments to expedite the passage of the said proposed measure.

A representative of City Health Office manifested that the proposal is already included in the budget for 2025 through its special health fund.

“We have allotted ₱3.5 million for 2,000 infants at ₱1,700 each,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Michael June C. Perez, chief of the city hospital, said that newborn screening is already part of their package in the hospital. The hospital has inquired with the City Finance to incorporate the proposal in their next annual budget, he added.

With this, Councilor Gaane asked the City Legal and JRBGH to submit their recommendations and supporting documents as soon as possible to facilitate the smooth formulation and implementation of the ordinance.

Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez and Aga Suan were present during the meeting. (JBD/SP/Photos by OVM & Councilor Gaane FB page)