A Beacon of Hope: The East Avenue Medical Center Section of Newborn Medicine

The East Avenue Medical Center Department of Pediatrics Section of Newborn Medicine Newborn Medicine Section was officially accredited by the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine in 2017.  Accredited as a Basic Comprehensive Specialty Center in Neonatal Care by the Department of Health, our section aspire to achieve Advanced Comprehensive Specialty Center status, further solidifying our commitment to providing the highest level of care to sick newborns delivered within Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

We cater to a diverse range of newborn needs, with a bed capacity of 80, often exceeding this limit to accommodate up to 120 patients (up to 150% Occupancy rate).  Our commitment to providing state-of-the-art care is reflected in our advanced equipment, including incubators, mechanical ventilators, transport incubators, AEEG machine, transcutaneous bilirubinometer, video-assisted laryngoscopes, 2D echocardiography machine, and portable X-ray unit.  We are also the only  training hospital in the Philippines equipped with a cooling machine for managing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) patients. This unique combination of resources distinguishes the NICU as a center of excellence, capable of providing the most advanced care available.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about new challenges, requiring the NICU to adapt and innovate.  Virtual conferences replaced face-to-face meetings, and adjustments were made to patient admissions to accommodate babies suspected of COVID-19 infection. Despite these challenges, the NICU remained committed to providing safe and effective care. While the Kangaroo Mother Care room was temporarily closed, the availability of vaccines allowed us to reopen it in late 2022.

In 2022, we achieved a significant milestone by receiving Level II accreditation from the Philippine Society of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine (PSNBM).  This recognition underscores our commitment to providing high-quality care and training.  Our dedication to excellence is further evidenced by the success of our graduates, who have achieved remarkable results in the National Fellowship Examination for Newborn Medicine.

In October 2022, the EAMC Section of Newborn Medicine, in collaboration with PhilHealth and the Hospital’s Planning Unit – Project Management Team for Special Projects, secured approval for the PhilHealth Z-benefit Package for Premature and Small Newborns.  This significant achievement will provide crucial financial support to families of newborns requiring specialized care.

The East Avenue Medical Center Department of Pediatrics Section of Newborn Medicine Section is a beacon of hope for newborns and their families, offering a comprehensive range of services and a commitment to continuous improvement.  We are dedicated to providing the highest quality care, ensuring that every newborn receives the best possible start in life.