SM Foundation brings health care closer to South Cotabato residents

SM Foundation ramps up its mission to boost the potential of community health in the country with its health and medical programs.

Part of a three-decade-long health initiative, the programs aim to revitalize health centers and ensure that they adhere to national health standards.

Alongside this, it is also the mission of the foundation to make health care accessible to vulnerable populations and boost health worker morale.

Spreading social good, SM Foundation recently turned over its 207th health center, bringing quality community health care closer to Filipinos from vulnerable communities in South Cotabato.

One of the latest beneficiaries is the Baluan Rural Health Unit (RHU), which serves over 30,000 residents from various barangays in General Santos City, South Cotabato.

The RHU previously struggled with inadequate facilities. Baluan RHU head Roland Basmillo, MD, recounted how their former buildings were not equipped to handle the growing population's needs. Patients had no proper waiting area, often enduring the sun or rain, or even leaving without receiving care.

SM Foundation, Mahintana Foundation and the Polomolok local government joined hands in revamping the Polomolok East Community Clinic, a key health facility servicing nine barangay (villages), including residents from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and Indigenous People communities. The rainwater catchment facility is one of the unique features of SM Foundation health centers. Mahintana Foundation continuously supports the community’s pharmaceutical and health care needs. Baluan Rural Health Unit head Roland Basmillo, MD, prepares the device for SM DigiKonsulta which aims to help the center hold virtual consultations, create patients’ electronic medical records and enroll them to PhilHealth Konsulta. Residents receive free health care services in the newly revitalized clinic. SM Foundation turns over its 207th health center, bringing quality community health care closer to Filipinos from vulnerable communities in South Cotabato. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS The renovated facility provides a comfortable, well-equipped environment that meets the community›s healthcare needs, giving residents access