Newborn Screening
Newborn Screening
Embedded Files
Newborn screening (NBS) is a simple procedure to find out if your baby has a congenital metabolic disorder that may lead to mental retardation and even death if left untreated. It is estimated that NBS can save 33,000 babies each year. The 2009 NBS coverage is around 28% (using the population base of 1.7 M births). The combined effort of the government, health workers, NGOs and advocates is expected to increase coverage in the coming years.
Brief History of NBS
The practice of newborn screening in the Philippines started in 1996 when the Philippine Newborn Screening Project, a multi-center trial was launched by a group of doctors which comprised the Newborn Screening Study Group. The program was initially participated by 18 private and 6 government hospitals.
In 2004, Newborn Screening in the Philippines became a practice mandated by the law through the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 9288, April 6, 2004) and the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 9288 (October 5, 2004). With the passage of these laws, NBS was integrated in the health delivery system, included in the license requirement of hospitals and as one of the benefits of the national health insurance (PhilHealth).
In 2004, Newborn Screening in the Philippines became a practice mandated by the law through the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 9288, April 6, 2004) and the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 9288 (October 5, 2004). With the passage of these laws, NBS was integrated in the health delivery system, included in the license requirement of hospitals and as one of the benefits of the national health insurance (PhilHealth).
Newborn Screening Centers
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse