24/7 Condom shops to cater to SULU folks

By Ed General
Inquirer - Mindanao
Last updated 00:36am (Mla time) 11/25/2007

JOLO, SULU -- Tausugs were not so receptive of the free contraceptive program but this reality failed to exclude Sulu from becoming one of the 10 pilot areas, where birth-control pills and condoms would be sold.

On Friday, the Sulu Provincial Hospital launched its “pop shop,” where Tausugs, who wanted birth spacing, could avail themselves of contraceptives and other health needs at low prices.

Dr. Farah Tan-Omar, provincial hospital chief, said the pop shop will be open 24/7.

“I should be responsible for the quality of health services our people need from contraceptives to mosquito nets, to address the critical health requirements in our province,” Tan-Omar said.

Tan-Omar said the decision to sell contraceptives was brought about by the phaseout of the contraceptive donation program of the United States Aid for International Development (USAID).

She said health officials wanted mechanisms to make contraceptives available to those who want it and these include selling them.

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