The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is more than a cliché at Capitol Medical Center; it is a guiding concept.
The hospital’s dedication to community health is made apparent by its support for the Community-based Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) program, an important healthcare project aiming to improve child health and well-being.
The Community-Based IMCI Program is a critical component of the Philippine government’s healthcare policy. It focuses on teaching barangay health workers to offer effective care to children aged 0 to 5 years. For more than a month, these health professionals get extensive training from pediatricians at Capitol Medical Center.
“We want to train our community volunteers so that they can help promote the universal healthcare program. If there are illnesses that can be addressed at the community level, then children do not need to go to the referral centers,” Dr. Angela Pilar Mendiola of Capitol Medical Center’s Department of Pediatrics said.
The IMCI program not only empowers local health workers but also alleviates the burden on higher-level healthcare facilities.
The IMCI training prepares community health workers to effectively treat common childhood diseases. This training ensures that health workers are equipped to handle a wide range of health conditions, from minor diseases to more serious conditions within their communities.
Donnalyn Adriano Queno, a barangay health worker from Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City, shares her experience: “Bawat tao or magbubuntis na maka-encounter ko po sa barangay namin ay mabibigyan ko po ng knowledge na napaka-importante po ang pag-aalaga sa isang buntis na nanay…. hanggang sa kanyang panganganak kailangang ko alagaan.”
The IMCI training program is designed to make healthcare more accessible, particularly to young children in underserved communities. Capitol Medical Center ensures that barangay health workers have the necessary tools and training to provide timely and effective care, preventing minor health conditions from escalating.
Imelda De Guzman, another trained purok leader in Brgy. Paligsahan, notes, “Ngayon may knowledge na ako, maaari ko yang itulong sa mga kapitbahay ko, sa kapwa ko, para malaman din nila na yun yung important days para magkaroon tayo ng malusog na mamamayan”
The benefits of IMCI training extend beyond immediate healthcare improvements.
“Motivated silang matuto. Na-appreciate nila kung ano yung naibigay ng Department of Pediatrics in terms of knowledge and skills sa kanila. Because nga meron silang ganon, inspired sila, nakakaroon tuloy sila ng advocacy talaga, nade-develop yung kanilang advocacy to care for the 0-5 year old age group,” Dr. Mendiola said.
The program’s approach demonstrates how effective training can motivate local health workers to become champions of child health. By managing health challenges at the community level, IMCI training contributes to a stronger healthcare system and improved health outcomes for children.
Capitol Medical Center’s IMCI training program exemplifies the efficacy of community-based healthcare initiatives. By teaching barangay health workers to offer high-quality care for young children, the initiative not only improves individual health but also community health. Capitol Medical Center embodies the principle that “right care, right here” may significantly improve the lives of children and their families.