Development of the Operational Guidelines on Mobile Health Units or Women's Health on Wheels (WHoW)
With technical and financial support from UNFPA, the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc. (PSRP) is working with the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) to develop the Operational Guidelines on Mobile Health Units or Women’s Health on Wheels (WHoW). These guidelines will provide a comprehensive framework for implementing the mobile health clinic strategy, which aims to reach underserved and marginalized women in remote and disaster-prone areas.
The guidelines will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Technical aspects: This will include guidance on the selection of vehicles, equipment, and supplies; the development of clinical protocols and procedures; and the training of healthcare personnel.
- Financial aspects: This will include guidance on the cost of setting up, operating, and maintaining WHoWs; as well as strategies for mobilizing resources from the government, private sector, and civil society.
- Stakeholder roles and responsibilities: This will clarify the roles and responsibilities of the DOH, PSRP, other government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities in the implementation of the WHoW program.
The guidelines are expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once finalized, they will be disseminated to all relevant stakeholders and will serve as a valuable resource for implementing the WHoW program in a sustainable and effective manner.
The WHoW program is a significant development in the Philippine DOH efforts to improve access to healthcare for women, particularly those living in underserved and marginalized communities. By providing mobile health clinics, the WHoW program will bring essential healthcare services to women’s doorstep, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
In addition to providing basic healthcare services, the WHoW program will also focus on promoting women’s health and empowerment. The mobile health clinics will provide women with information and counseling on a range of topics, including reproductive health, family planning, and maternal health. The clinics will also provide women with access to essential commodities, such as sanitary napkins and contraception.
The WHoW program is a significant investment in the health and well-being of women in the Philippines. The Operational Guidelines on Mobile Health Units or Women’s Health on Wheels will play a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of this program.
