Mothers-to-be to benefit from new birthing facility in Alaminos City

Mothers-to-be in Pangasinan who cannot afford to give birth in a hospital can now avail of an affordable and safe alternative - a new birthing facility in Alaminos City.

The facility is free for PhilHealth members and costs only P2,500 for non-members, GMA Dagupan's Jette Arcellana reported.

Up to three women can give birth simultaneously in the facility, which has a 15-bed capacity and a labor room.

City health officer Dr. Maria Victoria Carmabas said the facility will do if the local hospital is full.

Local health officials expect the facility to help lower incidents of maternal and infant deaths in Pangasinan.

Department of Health data for the first quarter of 2015 showed five maternal deaths and 22 infant deaths out of 8,640 live births.

"Proper information at care ang isinusulong natin dito," said DOH-1 regional director Dr. Myrna Cabotaje.

Some P1 million was used to renovate the building that houses the facility.

Mayor Arthur Celeste said the facility is open even to those not from Alaminos. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News