SMFI renovates 16TH health facility in Manila
Residents of Manila’s Health District IV received an early Christmas gift as SM Foundation, Inc. turned over the newly renovated Earnshaw Health Center to the Manila City government.
SMFI Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles said the Earnshaw Health Center is one of the 16 health centers under Manila’s Health District IV, serving close to 31,000 individuals. Part of the renovation work included the improving and beautifying of the center’s exterior, repairing the leaking ceiling, roofs and plumbing system.
On behalf of the City Government of Manila, City Administrator Atty. Ericson Alcovendaz thanked the SM Foundation and lauded the public-private sector partnership to improve services in the health sector.
Among the health problems treated at the Earnshaw Health Center are respiratory tract infection, dermatitis, asthma, anemia, hypertension, diarrhea, pharyngitis, malnutrition, hypersensitivity reaction and acute viral infection. The health center also provides basic health services like maternal and child care, immunization, and seminars on proper nutrition and health practices.
In addition, an Adolescent Clinic, a pilot project of the Manila Adolescent Health Center, is located at the second floor the health center. According to Dr. Dolores Manese who heads the said clinic, the project will also involve livelihood and skills training to serve the Out- of-School-Youth in the 26 barangays covered by the Earnshaw Health Center. It is designed to develop awareness of health issues including teen-age pregnancy, smoking cessation and drug abuse among the youth. A recreation room will also be provided to lure teenagers away from the streets.
The Earnshaw Health Center was the former Forbes Health Center and the satellite clinic of the Sampaloc Health Center prior to World War II. In 1947, it became an independent entity and was renamed M. Earnshaw Health Center in 1957. The present health center building was constructed in 1961 through the efforts of M. Earnshaw Senior Ladies Association.