The SODEX Mobile Clinic, the first-ever mobile Family Planning (FP) ambulatory clinic in the Philippines, will travel around Luzon this year to accommodate up to 3,000 beneficiaries needing permanent contraception and 3,570 using temporary methods. The clinic aims to make reproductive health services accessible to Filipinos, as 49% of women of reproductive age want no more children despite high occupancy rates in hospitals. The clinic will provide free modern family planning commodities and ambulatory services, catering to the specific needs of every Filipino.
Clients seeking to limit pregnancy will receive free contraception commodities like pills, condoms, injectables, and IUDs after consultation. Those satisfied with their number of children can opt for bilateral tubal ligation or non-scalpel vasectomy. Clients will undergo screening and counseling to choose their preferred contraception method.
They are also assured that a follow-through mechanism with clients is in place. “The clients will be endorsed to our partner healthcare providers in the LGUs for follow-up. Our outreach team will maintain open communication with the midwives and volunteers in case post-procedure concerns arise,” shared Loida Almendares, Director of Programs of DKT Philippines Foundation.
The SODEX Mobile Clinic, part of the SODEX Program, is staffed by experts trained in Family Planning procedures, essential life support, and managing health emergencies. Dr. Luis Garcia, Jr., a two-decade-experienced surgical contraceptor specialist, will lead the team, assisted by three nurses, a midwife, and a driver. The clinic is part of the SODEX Program Partner’s Network for Family Planning, aligning with universal health law mandates.
The SODEX Program Partner’s Network for Family Planning promotes collaboration among various sectors to collectively develop and implement mechanisms to improve the health of women, children, and families and meaningfully participate and contribute to government efforts to achieve universal health coverage for Reproductive Health through the provision of continuous good quality family planning education, services, commodities, funding, and policy support.
The LGUs’ role is to mobilize local health and population network/structure to determine individuals and couples needing family planning services. A partner LGU will lead the coordination with a community hospital as the referral facility or host facility.
With glaring challenges regarding family planning service provisions due to availability, geographic accessibility, or acceptability of services, DKT Philippines Foundation’s SODEX Program is laying the groundwork for empowering Reproductive Health choices for Filipinos.
