In 1971, the Philippines launched
the Community Health Organization Program to classify health services into
primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. As part of this initiative, barangay
health stations were created to ensure that primary healthcare improves the
overall health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Since then, these local health
centers have played a crucial role in improving the health outcomes of
Filipinos. They have not only provided general healthcare services but also
served as agents during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped with the vaccination
rollout. Additionally, they continue to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent
diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Adequate facilities for improved
healthcare
SM Foundation (SMFI) has made it
its mission to provide adequate facilities and upgraded equipment to boost
health centers as they fulfill their mandate of delivering quality health care,
even amid the pandemic.
Pursuing its mission, SMFI and
UNIQLO Philippines traveled to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Cagayan
Valley and upgraded two health facilities serving thousands of Filipinos.
Beyond the new infrastructure, health workers see it as a chance to put forth
the services they have always drawn from the heart.
In Brgy. District 1, Cauayan,
Midwife Tarita Ann Ballasteros has tended to patients from low-income
households, who barely have money to spare for the fare going to the facility
and to buy medicine. She would then give the best care she can offer to
compensate for the limitations of their center.
A resident of Cauayan City, Isabela
undergoes a routine checkup in Brgy. District 1 Health Center
“Nakikita ko ang sitwasyon nila na
ultimo pamasahe, wala sila. Iniisip ko, wala man lang akong maibigay na gamot
sa kanila. Para sa akin, hindi ko man sila lubos na mapagaling, lalabas sila sa
facility na magaan ang pakiram dahil sa tinatawag nating TLC (tender loving
care),” she said.
Before, they had to use curtains as
improvised medical partitions or lock the health center’s door to provide
comfort to women seeking reproductive health care or pregnant mothers coming in
for prenatal checkups.
“It takes time to prepare and
attend to the next patient. Kailangan pa namin takpan ng kumot o ilock ang pinto
ng center para magkaroon ng privacy ang mga pasyente. Dahil dito, isa lang ang
naaaccommodate namin. Minsan, hindi sila komportable dahil nakikita ng iba yung
procedure na ginagawa namin sa kanila,” she said.
Through the upgrade, the Brgy.
District 1 Health Center had its own room for maternal and child health
services, equipped with necessary medical tools. It was also fitted with a
breastfeeding area and a designated space for immunization.
Health workers of Brgy. District 1
Health Center provides free prenatal checkups in the newly renovated health
center
The upgrade served as the boost
they needed to complement the TLC they have always given their community.
“Malaki ang connection ng
renovation ng center sa pagsasaayos ng kalusugan ng aming komunidad. Kaming mga
health workers ay mas eager na sa pag-pasok sa trabaho at mas marami na kaming
pasyenteng mabibigyan ng serbisyo at matutulungan,” she said.
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