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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1954

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Introduced by Representative CIRIACO B. GATO, JR. MD. FPSO-HNS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This proposed legislative act recognizes the urgent need to prioritize and improve the health and
well-being of Filipino mothers during childbirth through a comprehensive maternal healthcare
approach that includes immunization for pregnant women. It seeks to expand HB 5684 filed in
the 19" Congress by Rep. Camille Villar by integrating Maternal Influenza and TDAP (Tetanus
Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis) vaccinations into maternal healthcare to
safeguard the well-being of expectant mothers and their newborns.

‘The most recent data on maternal health underscores the importance of addressing the existing
challenges. Despite notable progress in various healthcare indicators, maternal mortality remains
a significant concer. In 2021, PSA data recorded 2,478 maternal deaths in the Philippines—
equivalent to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, or roughly 6-7 women lost every day. While
this declined to 2,008 deaths in 2022, maternal mortality remains alarmingly high, underscoring
rural underreporting and region-based health disparities.

According to the PSA report, at least 2,478 women died of maternal causes in that year. That is
six to seven Filipino women dying of childbirth everyday in the country. The actual figure may
be higher, especially in rural areas, where cases of maternal death remain unreported.

‘The harrowing data reflects the persistent gaps in access to quality maternal healthcare services
and the imperative to implement effective measures.

By mandating maternal immunization across private and public healthcare institutions, this
proposed legislation aims to mitigate the risk of preventable diseases that can have severe
consequences for both mothers and infants. Vaccinations have proven to be one of the most
successful and cost-effective public health interventions. Ensuring comprehensive immunization


In addition to immunization, this proposed legislation puts emphasis on the importance of
accessible and comprehensive maternal healthcare services. Disparities in access to healthcare
persist, particularly among vulnerable populations and in certain regions. This legislation seeks
to address these disparities by establishing maternal health centers and support programs that
cater to the unique needs of pregnant women. These efforts align with the Sustainable
Development Goals and global strategies for reducing maternal mortality and improving
maternal health.

Furthermore, this proposed legislation recognizes the significance of raising awareness and
promoting education about maternal health. Informed decision-making and early intervention are
pivotal in preventing complications and ensuring positive outcomes for both mothers and babies.

By focusing on immunization, improving access to maternal healthcare, and promoting
awareness, we aspire to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates, enhance the health of
expectant mothers, and contribute to the overall betterment of maternal and child health in the
country.

‘The reintroduction of this bill in the 20" Congress is an urgent call to renew commitment and
accelerate action towards comprehensive maternal care, incorporating vaccination as a pivotal
preventive measure. The continued delay in passing this legislation threatens to prolong the loss
of countless Filipino mothers and their children, underscoring the imperative for swift legislative
action.

In view of the foregoing, urgent passage of this bill is sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manil

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1954

Introduced by Rep. CIRIACO B. GATO, JR. MD., FPSO-HNS

AN ACT PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE MATERNAL HEALTHCARE INCLUDING
IMMUNIZATION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Section 1. Short title - This Act shall be known as the “Comprehensive Maternal Healthcare and
Immunization Act.”

Section 2. Consistent with the State policy that the State shall protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them and the constitutional
declaration that the State shall enhance the welfare and safety of Filipino women, it is hereby
declared the policy of the State to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant Filipino women
by providing comprehensive maternal healthcare services, including immunization, to reduce
maternal and infant mortality rates, promote healthy pregnancies, and contribute to the overall
well-being of families and communities.

Section 3. National Immunization Program for Pregnant Women - There is hereby established a
National Immunization Program under the Department of Health (DOH), which shall ensure that
pregnant Filipino women and newboms are sufficiently protected from vaccine-preventable
diseases such as Influenza, Whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, and diphtheria.

Section 4. Coverage - The immunization provided under this Act shall cover the following
vaccine-preventable diseases:

a) Influenza;

b) Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping cough (Pertussis); and

c) Such other vaccines as determined by the DOH in line with evidence-based guidelines
and global health recommendations and best practices in maternal and fetal health.



Section 5. Administration of Vaccines - The vaccines shall be administered for free in any
government hospital or health facility, and in communities under its community-based
immunization program, and in any private health facility if such is included in the PhilHealth
benefit package. The DOH, in collaboration with the Department Interior and Local
Government, shall conduct community-based immunization programs for pregnant women.

‘The DOH shall periodically review and update the list of immunizations for pregnant women in
line with evidence-based medical guidelines and global health recommendations.

Section 6. Education and Awareness - All health care practitioners or healthcare workers who
are administering prenatal care shall educate pregnant mothers on the importance of
immunization in safeguarding maternal and infant health and well-being, as well as the potential
risks and side effects.

Section 7. Access to maternal healthcare — The DOH, in coordination with local government
units (LGUs), shall ensure the availability of comprehensive maternal healthcare services,
including but not limited to prenatal care including vaccinations, nutrition support, prenatal
screening, counselling, and postnatal care, to all pregnant women.

Section 8. The LGUs in cooperation with the DOH are mandated to upgrade and improve
devolved health services and medical facilities to ensure that they are adequately equipped to
provide comprehensive maternal healthcare services, including quality emergency obstetric care
(EMOC). Every barangay in the country should have a birthing facility to help reduce the risk of
‘maternal and infant deaths.

Section 9. The LGUs shall encourage facility-based delivery and shall ensure the availability and
retention of health workers who deliver these health services.

Section 10. Reporting and Monitoring - The DOH shall submit to the Office of the President of
the Philippines, the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, and the House of
Representatives Committee on Health on or before the end of December of every year, or upon
the request of any of these said committees of Congress, a report giving a detailed account of the
status of the implementation of this Act.

Health centers and other healthcare facilities shall maintain accurate records of maternal
healthcare services provided, including the number of immunizations, prenatal check-ups,
deliveries, postpartum visits, and referrals made.

Section 11. Appropriations. -The amount necessary to carry out the implementation of this Act
shall be charged to the current year's appropriations of the DOH. Thereafter, such funds as may
be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.


Section 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DOH shall, in consultation with the
National Immunization Committee, issue the implementing rules and regulations within ninety
(90) days after the approval of this Act.

Section 13. Separability Clause - If for any reason, any part or provision of this Act shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions hereof which are not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 14, Effectivity Clause -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afler its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,