In your point of view, how do you define Service Delivery Network and what are

the programs involved in the Service Delivery networking of the hospital?

Based on my understanding, having a Service Delivery Network (SDN) means

that the health care providers are organized to ensure that the public have an easy
access to high quality services. Meaning- it should be established and organized by
LGUs in coordination with DOH to effectively deliver reproductive health care services
to priority population.

There are a lot of programs involved in the Service Delivery networking of the
hospital. One of which is the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition
(MNCHN) which is aimed at achieving the twin goals of maternal mortality reduction and
neonatal mortality reduction, with emphasis on the biological link of mother and child. It
intends to bridge the gap between the existing Safe Motherhood Program and Child
Survival Program.

Is the Service Delivery Network system in lined with the Department of Health
(DOH) Programs and mandate. Expound your answers.

Yes, I believe so. The DOH recognizes the need to push with the 2016 – 2022
Philippine Health Agenda’s on all Filipinos for equitable geographic and financial access
to comprehensive range of quality health services. For instance, in MNCHN, they
particularly aim to reduce mortality among mothers, newborns and children below 5
years old).

What are the gaps identified between the actual process and the DOH mandates.

I believe that the functionality of SDN requires active participation of Community

Health Teams/Barangay Health Workers in referring clients/patients in the community to
the nearest health facility. Also, there is a need for appropriate management of local
government with support for organizational and financial sustainability.

In relation to MNCHN, among the gaps noted are:

1) Emergency obstetrics and newborn care services are available only in secondary
and tertiary level health facilities such as big district hospitals, provincial hospitals
and medical centers, facilities that are not geographically accessible to majority
of women,
2) Past policy on maternal care accommodated TBA training and home deliveries
assisted by TBAs,
3) Failure to link TBAs to the formal health system,
4) Failure of the health system to address women’s issues that result to their
deciding to give birth at home rather than in hospitals or health centers
5) Poor access to family planning commodities.

These gaps result to poor access and utilization of childbirth services that
consequently contribute to the slow decline of maternal and neonatal mortality.