Ormoc’s health center gets makeover from SM Foundation
Ormoc City – SM Foundation continues to support the government in improving healthcare access for Filipinos through its partnerships with local communities.
Recently, the Foundation turned over its 210th Wellness Center—the San Pablo District Health Center (SPDHC)—to the local government of Ormoc.
Established in 2009, the SPDHC serves as a vital satellite office of City Health, strategically located near the main road leading to Ormoc's most distant barangays including Cabintan, Gaas, Tongonan, and Liberty. The center serves a population of over 37,000 across 37,673 households.
"Healthcare is essential to human well-being. It forms the backbone of strong and resilient communities, yet many still face barriers to accessing adequate healthcare," said Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical, during the turnover ceremony. "For years, SM Foundation has worked hand in hand with the government to help bridge this gap."
The newly refurbished health center, which previously underwent repairs after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, now boasts improved facilities including a dedicated breastfeeding area, a lounge for elderly and pregnant patients, a children's play area, a pharmacy, a dental clinic, and a nurse's station with 24-hour service. The center continues to provide essential services such as family planning, medical consultations, child care and nutrition, mental health services, and dental care.
To promote a healthier environment, SM Foundation incorporated air-cleaning paints throughout the center and installed a rainwater catchment system. The Foundation also implemented SM DigiKonsulta for online consultations and electronic medical records management, essential for PhilHealth's Konsulta Benefits.
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez expressed her gratitude to SM Foundation, noting that "This renovated health center will serve as a model for other facilities that the city plans to build in order to serve its constituents." The center's strategic location beside the upcoming City Unified Hospital further enhances its role in the community's healthcare infrastructure.
To date, SM Foundation has established and renovated more than 200 Wellness Centers, serving over 6 million patients nationwide.