Help for the Baby Factory

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I surf through many blogs each day and I always find something new, something interesting, or something that will move me to action. Today, I landed on a blog that completely made me forget the many things I had wanted to blog about. But I don’t mind, because this is something I should dedicate space to.

I can’t say that I’m familiar with Ms. Chuvaness or her blog, but today I am a fan of her campaign to help equip the Jose Fabella Hospital, to care better for the 80-100 children born there each day. Visit her page, and donate via Paypal. Through her blog I clicked a link to Moms For Moms, the people behind the moving slideshow of Fabella photos. Apparently, they were moved by another blog post, this time from Handy Dandy Diapers, and so they were inspired to take on the cause. I am still checking out the last link, I’m thinking of purchasing diapers through them because they might be able to deliver it to the hospital for me, and they also make their own donation on top of your purchase.  I’ll be sending them an email right now to inquire on their pricelist.I know it is more convenient to donate via Paypal through Chuvaness, but I want to explore this route too.

I have never been to Fabella, nor do I know anyone who has actually gone there to give birth. But I have heard about the plight, not just of Fabella, but of public (government) hospitals throughout the country. I guess what makes Fabella distinct is the reputation of birthing 80-100 babies each day. It is, after all, a hospital specializing in the care of women and children.  It is no shocking news that mothers who have just given birth, or are waiting for their turn, would share beds with other mothers. It is not a surprise anymore to hear of two babies sharing one bassinet.  This happens in other hospitals too. It is a sad reality. Public health care in this country, has a long long way to go.

Which is why Pinoys the world over are enraged over the US$20,000 dinner that the Philippine president and her minions recently had at the Le Cirque in NY.

Families who cannot afford the costs of giving birth at private hospitals troop to Fabella. It is at this hospital that 80-100 babies breathe their first independent breaths. It is where they have their first taste of the world, and unfortunately for some, their first bitter experience. Understand that many who go to Fabella don’t lead privileged lives (I am generalizing here although for all I know, Fabella may have paying customers too). If our babies’ first encounter with the world is something as trying as this, what can they expect from life outside the hospital?

Let us help Fabella care better for its patients. It is ultimately the government’s responsibility to allocate more funding for the health sector, but it is also our responsibility to help where we can, when we can. Supporting this cause won’t make the problem disappear, our hospitals will still be ill-equipped and our doctors and nurses underpaid. That’s an advocacy that I leave others to tackle. There will still be 80-100 babies born there each day. Population control is another matter altogether.

(Did you recently buy a home entertainment system complete with mounts and maybe even a comfy couch? Did you recently splurge on an expensive bag, or designer outfits? I’m not on a guilt trip here, and I am not telling anyone to sacrifice the lifestyles they are accustomed to. But I am enjoining readers to think about sharing their blessings, no matter how small or big. Maybe in between your big purchases, you might consider doing something for others too.)