Financial Sustainability Of Birthing Centers In Metro Cebu

Authors

  • MA. ROSALINA A. BESARIO, PhD

Abstract

The Department of Health was alarmed that the country's maternal mortality rate (MMR) increased from 162 to 221 per 100,000 live births in 2009. The figure tells a glowering failure of the government in accomplishing its Millennium Development Goal target of lessening maternal mortality to only 52 per 100,000 live births by 2015. Concomitantly, the DOH implemented the "No Home Birthing Policy," in answer to the rising number of maternal and infant deaths. Medical stakeholders consequently established more opportunities for improved healthcare through birthing centers in their localities.The concept of "birthing care facility" develops from the need to deliver unified stability of maternal care for all pregnant women where usual care will be delivered outside of a hospital.  However, maternal care can only be sustained if birthing centers can achieve good financial performance.   The purpose of this study, therefore, aimed to assess the financial sustainability of birthing centers in Metro Cebu as to strategic and financial planning, income-generating capability, and sound administration and finance. The study utilized a mixed method of research. Data resulting from the qualitative study was used to validate findings in the quantitative study.  The study found that birthing centers in Metro Cebu are excellent in both strategic and financial planning and sound and administrative capacity but need improvements in the area of income-generating capability.

Published

2020-11-01

Issue

Section

Articles