ILOILO – To engage more men in modern family planning methods, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital (IPH) in Pototan town are offering free “no scalpel vasectomy” services this August, declared as Family Planning Month.
Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO’s Health Service Delivery Division, acknowledged that the uptake for vasectomy remains low, possibly due to misinformation and misconceptions prevalent in the community.
“The no scalpel vasectomy is a safe and effective procedure that greatly benefits couples who do not wish to have more children,” he explained.
The procedure is performed in the outpatient department, involves minimal pain, and allows for quick recovery.
Highlighting the importance of involving men in family planning, Dr. Labis emphasized that the campaign this month focuses on promoting the no scalpel vasectomy.
The procedure is offered for free at IPH throughout August, and interested clients are encouraged to reach out through the IPHO Facebook Page or contact via email at ipgfptc@gmail.com or mobile at 0969-499-5423.
This year’s Family Planning Month theme, “Panalo ang Pamilyang Planado: Tara Usap Tayo sa Family Planning”, aims to raise awareness and underscore the significance of family planning for the overall health and well-being of the Ilonggos.
Dr. Labis said most Rural Health Units (RHUs) provide family planning counselling, allowing clients to understand and voluntarily choose the most suitable method.
RHUs introduce various effective family planning methods, including pills, condoms, injectables, implants, and IUDs.
Additionally, some district hospitals like IPH offer permanent family planning options such as tubal ligation for women and no scalpel vasectomy for men.
Dr. Labis also pointed out the benefits of family planning, which helps couples focus on household priorities such as family health, purchasing basic needs, promoting gender equality, supporting sustainable population growth, reducing poverty, and fostering economic development.
Moreover, proper timing and spacing of births through family planning can significantly reduce the risk of mortality and illness in mothers and infants.
The IPHO, along with the Provincial Population Office, Hospital Management Office, Department of Health, Commission on Population and Development, RHUs, district hospitals, and partner agencies, are intensifying their family planning campaign not only for this month but throughout the year, aiming to reach women of reproductive age across the region./PN
