Over a thousand served at SM Center Valenzuela medical mission

One thousand five hundred and sixty-six (1,566) residents from nearby towns gathered at SM Center Valenzuela for medical and dental assistance from SM Foundation’s medical mission last May 5. Of these, 78 came from the neighboring community of Bahay Kalinga, a temporary home for abandoned children, children recovering from abuse, and the elderly.

Patients availed of free medical services through SM Foundation’s mobile clinic. These included 27 patients who underwent dental extractions, 55 for x-ray exams, 60 for ECG examinations and 144 for bone scanning. Aside from ECGs, senior citizens also underwent bone density tests and were given free starter dosages for vitamin D and calcium.

Most of the kids had their x-rays taken to trace possible respiratory tract infections and were given appropriate antibiotics and medication. One hundred ninety-eight kids also received educational toys and popcorn from Chummy Chum, SM Foundation’s medical mission program partner.

“SM Foundation believes in providing targeted medical care to its beneficiaries,” Dra. Rorie Siasoco, Senior Project Manager for Health, said. “It also ensures that patients are provided with the right number of dosages for their medicines so that they don’t have to worry about getting their full medication.” Since 2001, SM Foundation has conducted 1,053 medical missions that have brought a wide range of medical services to communities nationwide, especially to those in far-flung areas, through its mobile clinics. Another program under its health advocacy is the Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Program which focuses on renovating, refurbishing, and rebuilding health centers and dilapidated hospital wards to provide broader and better services to the many communities it serves.