WE met the head of the OB-Gyn department, Dr. Lazarito Q. Villamar, of Seamen?s Hospital-Intramuros at the department?s Christmas party recently. Dr. Zarit finished medicine and trained in obstetrics and gynecology at Far Eastern University.

After his residency, he was sent by the late Dr. Antonio Lim as a substitute to Seamen?s Hospital, which was then known as Roberto Oca Workers Clinic in Port Area.

In 1987, Dr. Zarit was named OIC of the department when the facility was transferred to Intramuros. Thereafter, branches in Iloilo, Cebu and Davao opened. Accredited for service in 1992, the hospital then got its approval to train OB-Gyn residents two years later. As of December this year, the department has produced 19 graduates, including Indonesian Dr. Muliati Wilamarta, who will soon fly home to practice in her country.

Importance

How many babies are delivered at Seamen?s Hospital every year? Dr. Zarit answered with a smile: ?More than 800!? He told us that the institution is breastfeeding-friendly. The OB-Gyn department promotes the importance of prenatal care, which is extensively discussed with each patient. All mothers are encouraged to breastfeed.

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