Proper maternal care is as important as an obligation, in bestowing each child a healthier start in life. Bolstering support and guidance to health facilities that are involved in maternal, pre-natal and ante-natal care ensures that mothers and their babies are provided with high-quality healthcare that is effective, safe, equitable and efficient.
An increasing number of women choose to have their babies born in primary healthcare facilities such as public and private lying-in clinics. The Department of Health has set the standards for these facilities to ensure the safety of the mothers while providing essential services and health education on the cascade of care for both mommy and baby.
Recognizing the role of private lying-in clinics as partners in maternal and neonatal care, the Quezon City Government, through the QC Health Department (QCHD), and Unilab Inc. have been recognizing these private health facilities with a Seal of Excellence for achieving all Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) indicators based on the Department of Health’s MNCHN Tools.
This year, the Seal of Excellence was awarded to 42 private lying-in clinics, the highest number of honorees in its eight-year run.
For 2024, there were 60 private lying-in clinics listed in Quezon City, 70% of which have met the standards of the Seal of Excellence. This is the highest percentage of compliant lying-ins in Quezon City on a yearly assessment.
These standards include Updated Licensing and Accreditation; Compliance with Service Delivery Network requirements; Provision of quality MNCHN services such as counseling, immunization, newborn screening and family planning; along Adherence to Policies and Ordinances of the City Health Office including compliance with the Milk Code to support optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
