Breastfeeding is essential for the health of the newborn and the mother. It is also the most inexpensive and practical means of feeding the newborn. Global attempts to encourage, promote and support breastfeeding through the WHO/UNICEF's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative have been successfully implemented in several countries worldwide. The Philippines supports this effort through Republic Act (R.A.) 7600, otherwise known as "The Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992".

In order to ensure the implementation of R.A. 7600, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will require its accredited hospitals to be "Mother-Friendly Hospital". The said requirement will apply to institutional health care providers' application (renewal/initial) on the following dates:

                                               

Hospital Category	Effectivity Date
Tertiary hospitals	October 2005
Secondary hospitals
Primary hospitals that operate with a delivery room	January 2006

Inability of hospitals to comply is a violation of R.A 7600 and could be a ground for the denial of accreditation.

Adopted: 11 Oct. 2005

(SGD.) LORNA O. FAJARDO
Officer-in-Charge
Office the President and CEO