Koko Pimentel to DOH: Have a ‘game plan’ for COVID-positive mothers-to-be

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday urged the Department of Health (DOH) to come up with a “game plan” for COVID-19 positive mothers-to-be.

“DOH should be reminded to come up with protocols on ‘childbirth in the (COVID-19) era’ just in case they haven’t yet,” Pimentel told reporters in a Viber message.

“Pregnant women are one of the most vulnerable at this time. They worry about (COVID-19) and they worry about their pregnancy,” he added.

“Hence professional competent attention to this matter must now be given by our experts. A game plan should be put in place for (COVID-positive) mothers-to-be,” he further said.

Pimentel said a venue for the delivery as well as a team of “heroic doctors, nurses and other health workers who are willing to work on these cases must be identified, prepared, and properly equipped as early as possible.”

The senator, who earlier tested positive for the disease, raised this suggestion more than a week after his wife, Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, gave birth to their first daughter.

Kathyrna was initially scheduled to undergo a cesarean operation last March 24 but it was postponed after her husband received confirmation that he had tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

/MUF