SMFI renovates community, police health centers

SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) executive director for health and medical programs Connie Angeles was in La Trinidad, Benguet on 6 December to lead the blessing and inauguration of the newly-renovated Camp Bado Dangwa Hospital (CBDH).

Angeles was also in Quezon City on 11 December for the turnover of the renovated Krus Na Ligas Health Center (KNLHC).

The social responsibility arm of the SM Group helps renovate health centers nationwide. The CBDH is the 211th barangay health center and the fifth police health facility that SMFI helped renovate.

“This is a gift to the galant men and women of the most disciplined cops of CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region),” Angeles said during the CBDH turnover ceremony.

“With the SM City Baguio, we will continue to support you with the care, maintenance and upkeep of this facility.”

With its 76 uniformed medical allied personnel, CBDH serves over 10,600 Philippine National Police personnel, their dependents, and authorized civilians in the six provinces of CAR, including Baguio City.

The upgraded facility now includes a new pathological laboratory, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses of patient health conditions. It provides teleconsultation through SM DigiKonsulta, dental care, annual physical exam, short-term hospitalization, emergency and minor surgical services, eye care and various laboratory tests. 

For mental health support, it has counseling, stress management programs and a variety of therapy options tailored to the needs of its personnel.

Meanwhile, the KNLHC is the 214th BHC that SMFI helped refurbish. The health center underwent 13 weeks of comprehensive overhaul.

New medical tools and equipment have been provided, including a minor operating room. An updated layout also paved the way for better spaces both for the workers and the clients, including a dedicated breastfeeding area, a lounge for the elderly and pregnant patients, a children’s play area, pharmacy, dental clinic and a Teen Hub to provide a safe space for adolescents requiring guidance and counselling.

An emergency shower and eyewash station were also installed to provide on-the-spot decontamination on patients during emergencies.

It will cater to 73,000 residents of Barangay Krus na Ligas, Teacher’s Village West and the UP Campus.

Dr. Marizel Wong, health officer of the Quezon City’s fourth district, said it will not only have far-reaching impact to the communities it serve, but also benefit the almost two dozen health workers assigned at the facility.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who attended the turnover rite, said initiatives of the private sector to help provide the basic needs of the people are really very important.