SMFI turns over renovated Talomo North health center
SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) turned over on June 29 a renovated Rural Health Unit in Talomo North District, Davao City.
The center is the 142nd wellness project of SMFI, and third in the city. It is a main health center with seven sub-centers which operate on a 420 sqm facility. It is estimated to cater a population of 160,560 individuals from seven barangays in Talomo North District, one of the most populated districts in Davao City.
The improved center now features a Felicidad Sy Wellness Center for children and the elderly, reception and waiting area, pharmacy, expanded laboratory, dental room, family planning room, breastfeeding and vaccinations area, doctor’s consultation room, supply room, nurses’ room, TB-Dots section, birthing facility, and improved comfort rooms.
The existing laboratory was upgraded and expanded to meet the Department of Health’s standards for Level 1 accreditation.
A GeneXpert testing area was likewise added for TB diagnosis and resistance testing. GeneXpert is a molecular test for TB which diagnoses tuberculosis by detecting the presence of TB bacteria as well as testing for resistance to the anti-TB drug rifampicin.
With the improvements, the facility now qualifies for three Philhealth accreditations— Primary care benefit package, Maternity care benefit package and TB-Dots.
In partnership with the Rotary Club of Pagasa Davao, the center also houses a Garden of Hope. The pocket garden aims to create an atmosphere of tranquility inside the facility.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led the inauguration along with SM Foundation’s executive director for health and medical programs Connie Angeles, and SMFI corporate affairs head Chito Macapagal. Also in attendance were city vice mayor Bernard Al-ag, city administrator Zuleika Lopez, city health officer Dra. Josephine Villafuerte, Brgy. captain Rolando Trajera, SM Supermalls vice president for operations in Mindanao Oliver John R. Tiu and SM City Davao mall manager Lynette AngalaLopez.