Two government-run hospitals in Negros Occidental have been certified as adolescent-friendly by the Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR).

The province-owned Merceditas J. Montilla District Hospital in Sipalay City and the Cauayan District Hospital in Cauayan town are the latest to be declared as Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities (AFHF) Level 2 in the province.

“An AFHF is designed to address the unique needs of adolescents by ensuring access to high-quality, confidential, and age-appropriate health services,” the DOH-NIR Family Health Cluster-Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Unit said in a report on Tuesday.

In these facilities, positive health-seeking behaviors are promoted in a supportive and non-judgmental environment while encouraging active youth participation in their healthcare journey.

“By providing safe spaces and responsive services, they play a vital role in empowering adolescents to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives,” it added.

The two government-run hospitals are now among the eight AFHF Level 2 hospitals in Negros Occidental.

The others are the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, Cadiz District Hospital in Cadiz City, Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City, Kabankalan City Hospital, Eleuterio T. Decena Memorial Hospital in Hinoba-an and Ignacio L. Arroyo Memorial District Hospital in Isabela.

These six hospitals were previously certified as AFHF Level 2 under the DOH-Western Visayas.

An AFHF Level 1 has a welcome signage, schedule of clinic hours, health services, clinical guidelines in the provision of adolescent-friendly health services, and a designated room/space for client-provider interaction.

Aside from compliance with Level 1 standards, the AFHF Level 2 provides services to adolescents in line with the accepted package of health services, and on-site or referral linkages by well-trained staff. (PNA)