UPLIFTED Dr. Jerusha Comuelo (from left), chair of WVSUMC Department of Pediatrics and SM Foundation’s Connie Angeles hand a teddy bear to a mother staying at the pediatric ward. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
In line with its mission of improving the quality of life of Filipinos through quality healthcare, SM Foundation has turned over the newly upgraded pediatric ward of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) in Iloilo City.
While about 56 percent of WVSUMC’s space goes to pediatric ward patients from Iloilo City’s underserved communities, it also receives patients from other cities and municipalities in the region, including Antique, Aklan, Capiz and Guimaras. The hospital also has patients coming from Palawan and Negros Occidental.
The ward accommodates procedures such as IV insertion, chemotherapy and lumbar puncture, among others. It treats various illnesses and diseases such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis, malnutrition, epilepsy, seizures, brain tumors, cancer and chronic diseases.
To boost WVSUMC’s capacity to deliver quality care, SM Foundation refurbished its neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric ward for non-infectious cases and treatment room. It also upgraded the hallway, toilet and hand washing area to provide a safe and congenial atmosphere that promotes holistic healing. The hospital was also equipped with specialized medical appliances and devices, such as pediatric cribs, bassinets, treatment beds, nebulizers, gun thermometers and a mini-refrigerator for vaccines. The center also received breastfeeding chairs, divan chairs, office tables and chairs, beddings, pillows, TV, water dispenser and ceiling fans.
Joining the turnover of the newly refurbished center are First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, WVSUMC president Joselito Villaruz, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, SM Foundation executive director for health and medical programs Connie Angeles and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“At each center we turn over, just like today, we see the power of spreading social good through healthcare. We hope that this safe and child-friendly zone will be a therapeutic environment that promotes healing and wellness for the children of Iloilo. We are grateful to be given the opportunity to help in this meaningful program,” Tan says.
Meanwhile, Angeles looks forward to more social good collaborations with the hospital to help the Iloilo City community. “We share the objective of giving the best service and rendering quality health care. Since maintaining the look and condition of wards has been one of the problems of public hospitals, we will help WVSUMC with its maintenance, upkeep, and needed repairs,” she says.
Through its health and medical programs, SM Foundation upgrades public health centers in its host communities, complemented by its medical caravans across the country. To date, it has renovated more than 170 health and wellness centers and served more than 1 million patients during its medical missions.