Medical group urges expanded maternal care, vaccine coverage

MANILA — The Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Pidsog) has unveiled a three-pronged policy agenda aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare services and immunization access across the country.

The organization is prioritizing inclusion of critical vaccines within the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) antenatal care package. The group plans to develop a comprehensive policy brief advocating for coverage of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccinations as part of standard prenatal care, addressing gaps in current protection protocols.

The initiatives represent a coordinated effort to strengthen maternal health infrastructure at the policy level, building on established health insurance mechanisms to ensure pregnant women receive preventive care services. By targeting PhilHealth's existing frameworks, Pidsog seeks to make recommended immunizations more accessible to vulnerable populations.

The measures reflect ongoing medical consensus on the importance of maternal vaccination in reducing pregnancy complications and protecting newborns from vaccine-preventable diseases. The policy proposals are expected to undergo consultation with relevant government agencies and health officials in the coming weeks.

Experts have emphasized that integrating vaccine coverage into antenatal packages represents a cost-effective approach to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes nationwide.