Enhancing healthcare accessibility

SM Foundation recently turned over its 205th health center, bringing quality community healthcare closer to Filipinos from vulnerable communities in GenSan.

SM Foundation transforms South Cotabato health center into a modern, patient-centric facility

SM Foundation's Health and Medical Programs aim to revitalize health centers and ensure that they adhere to national health standards. It also strives to make healthcare accessible to vulnerable populations and boost health worker morale. 

The recent beneficiary of the program is the Baluan Rural Health Unit (RHU), serving over 30,000 residents from various barangays in General Santos City, South Cotabato.

The Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center for the Elderly allots ample seating and modern amenities to improve patient comfort and accommodate more members of the community seeking care.

Baluan RHU previously struggled with inadequate facilities. Dr. Roland Basmillo, the RHU head, recalled how their former buildings weren’t equipped to handle the growing population. Patients often waited outside in the sun or rain, and some left without receiving care.

Through the renovation, Dr. Basmillo shared that SM Foundation's programs helped overcome past challenges, bringing healthcare closer to the community. The renovated RHU now boasts an efficient layout, improved patient comfort with more seating and modern amenities, and dedicated spaces for examinations, consultations, and breastfeeding.

The new Baluan RHU now houses its own laboratory, making it easier for patients to get diagnostic tests and appropriate medications during their consultations.

The SM DigiKonsulta, Mobile Play Cabinet, and Rainwater Catchment facility, unique features of SM Foundation health centers, are also installed here.

 The RHU head also highlighted the new animal bite and TB treatment facility, reducing travel for patients. The upgraded Minor Surgical Room enhances emergency care, crucial due to Baluan's location near a major highway. He emphasized the on-site laboratory and pharmacy as key operational improvements, allowing for immediate diagnostics and medication during consultations.

The RHU features a Mobile Play Cabinet, equipped with various educational toys and resources to facilitate a pleasant healthcare experience for young patients.

“Dito pa lang po sa RHU, maibibigay na po sa kanila agad ang serbisyo. Kasi most of the time ang iniinda ng mga pasyente ay yung pera na gagastusin nila para pumunta doon sa health facility na kung saan namin sila ire-refer. At least sa ngayon, nandito na po mismo, nasa barangay na po nila mismo ang serbisyong kailangan nila,” he stressed. 

 “May nakita akong pasyente kanina at sinabi sa aking, ‘Doc, ang ganda na po ng health center. Magpapa-checkup na talaga ako.’ So sa isang tao pa lang na iyon, makikita mo na yung eagerness na pumunta ng health center na hindi na natatakot o nahihiya,” he shared.