By R. G. Antonet Go/PNA
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Zamboanga Puericulture Center (ZPC) has launched the “Alcancia de Parto”, a savings scheme aimed at helping pregnant women save money in preparation for birthing.
“This is a piggy bank concept program that intends to assist and help a mother save money for the delivery of her child,” Dr. Rodel Agbulos, ZPC president, said Wednesday.
Agbulos, who once served as city health officer, said the center came up with the scheme after observing that most couples in the lower-income bracket usually don’t have enough savings to prepare for the birth of their baby.
He said couples can deposit an amount with the Puericulture cashier during their prenatal visits.
The benefits from the savings scheme include free ultrasound and check-up services, as well as scholarships for first-time mothers, he added.
Agbulos said birthing homes and hospitals usually charge PHP3,000 to PHP60,000 for the baby’s birth, depending on the manner of delivery and the mother’s insurance coverage, if any.
He said 20 pregnant women have already enrolled in the scheme since its launch.
Meanwhile, Agbulos said records show that about 500 pregnant women from this city’s barangays seek consultation at the ZPC every month.
The ZPC, which is a public hospital, is a specialty maternity hospital.
