Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Province of Pangasinan’s commitment to excellence in health services and the healthcare system was again vividly reflected following its recognition as among Northern Luzon’s Best Newborn Screening Facilities in Region I in the 2nd Quarter of 2024.
Newborn Screening Facilities (NSFs) are the health facilities conducting sample collections for newborn screening.
Newborn screening is a special test that helps identify babies at risk for certain conditions. Before every baby goes home from the nursery, the baby’s blood sample is collected in five circles on the newborn screening card, called a dried blood spot (also called DBS) sample. The DBS is used to test for a specific group of conditions.
The top performing newborn screening facilities were Don Mariano C. Verzosa Memorial Hospital and Western Pangasinan District Hospital for Northern Luzon’s Best in Collection Age Levels 1 and 2 (Government Category); Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital and Mangatarem District Hospital for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot Levels 1 and 2 (Government Category), respectively.
These are achievements or recognitions that reflect the team efforts of the provincial government, serving as an inspiration to push for quality health services for the well-being of more than 3 million Pangasinenses.
In addition to the province’s accolades, the following RHUs were likewise recognized for their significant contributions to newborn screening efforts in different categories: Rural Health Unit (RHU)—San Nicolas and City Health Office—Alaminos City for Northern Luzon’s Best in Collection Age Primary Care—Government; Bani Birthing Home and Angeles Birthing Home in the town of Rosales for Northern Luzon’s Best in Collection Age Primary Care—Private; Senor Sto. Nino Hospital-Bayambang Branch for Northern Luzon’s Best in Transit Time Levels 1 and 2 (private); Region I Medical Center for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot Level 3 (government); Nazareth General Hospital and Medical Centrum Dagupan for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot Levels 1 and 2 (private); RHU-Asingan, RHU-Infanta, RHU-San Quintin, RHU 1-Bayambang, and RHU-Malasiqui Birthing Facility for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot, respectively.
Gov. Guico earlier stated that his administration sets its sights on investing in health to make Pangasinan a healthy province.
(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO | Photos: Omar Cruz)
