SMF renovates air base hospital in Zambo City
ZAMBOANGA CITY – SM Foundation renovated and refurbished the Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital providing it with the necessary furniture, appliances, and medical equipment. With this intervention, the hospital is now up for a Level 1 accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).
The 29-bed capacity hospital currently operates as an infirmary catering to the health needs of around 3,900 uniformed personnel and their dependents, including authorized civilians within its area of responsibility. The hospital also provides medical care and aero medical services to its stakeholders in Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
Through the program, SMFI was able to improve the hospital’s pharmacy, OR/DR complex, emergency room, laboratory, rehabilitation section, x-ray room, out-patient department, military ward, dependents ward, and isolation room.
In addition, SM Foundation was also able to establish a waiting lounge, breastfeeding room, and a Mobile Read and Play Station for children.
The Mobile Read and Play Station is an innovation under the health and wellness program of SMFI to provide therapeutic value for ill children, thus contributing to both their physical and emotional well-being resulting to a speedy recovery. In addition, the facility intends to help in investigating issues related to the child’s experiences in the hospital and reduce the intensity of negative feelings accompanying a child’s admission to hospital and hospitalization.
Connie Angeles, SVP and executive director for health and medical programs of SM Foundation flew to Zamboanga to officially turn over the facility to Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, AFP, commanding general of the Philippine Air Force in simple ceremonies which coincided with the 11th founding anniversary of the Tactical Operations Command
In Zamboanga, Angeles in conveying the message of the family of the late chairman of the board of SMFI, Henry Sy Sr. said: “we dedicate the improvement of the hospital to you our beloved soldiers who risk your lives to make us live freely and peacefully. We pray that the Almighty will keep you safe, guided and protected at all times as you officers of the AFP lead your men to deeds of fortitude, valor and triumph.”
Camp Edwin Andrews Airbase Hospital is SM Foundation’s 34th improved military health facility and the 157th wellness center. Among the other military facilities improved are: Camp Ricarte Station in Puerto Princesa; BGen Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Phil. Air Force General Hospital in Villamor Air Base; Air Force City Hospital in Clark; Fernando Airbase Station Hospital in Lipa; Camp Evangelista Station Hospital Annex in Cagayan de Oro City, Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao and many more.