In 1971, the Philippines launched the Community Health Organization Program to classify health services into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. As part of this initiative, barangay health stations were created to ensure that primary healthcare improves the overall health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Local health centers have played a crucial role in improving the health outcomes of Filipinos. They have not only provided general healthcare services but also served as agents during the pandemic and helped the vaccination rollout. Also, these health centers continue to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The SMFI also made it as its mission to provide facilities and upgrade equipment to boost health centers as they fulfill their mandate of delivering quality healthcare, even during the pandemic.
Working towards its mission, SMFI teamed-up with UNIQLO Philippines and traveled to Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Cagayan Valley and upgraded two health centers their. With the newly improved infrastructure, health workers see it as a chance to put forth the services they have always drawn from the heart.
For Tarita Ann Ballasteros, a midwife at Brgy. District 1 in Cauayan, she has been tending to patients from low-income households for years now, and most of these patients barely have enough money to spend for fare going to the facility nor buy medicine.
"Nakikita ko ang sitwasyon nila na ultimo pamasahe, wala sila," said Ballasteros. "Iniisip ko, wala man akong maibigay na gamot sa kanila, lalabas sila sa facility na magaan ang pakiramdam dahil sa tinatawag nating TLC."
In the past, they used curtains as partitions or lock the health center's door to provide comfort to women or pregnant mothers for check-ups.
"It takes time to prepare and attend to the next patient. Kailangan pa namin takpan ng kumot o i-lock ang pinto ng center para magkaroon ng privacy ang pasyente. Dahil dito, isa lang ang naa-accommodate namin minsan. At minsan, hindi rin sila kumportable dahil nakikita ng iba yung procedure na ginagawa namin sa kanila."
With the upgraded facility, the Brgy. District 1 Health Center now has its own room for maternal and child health services, and is equipped with necessary medical tools. It also has a breastfeeding area and a separate space for immunization.
"Malaki ang connection ng renovation ng center sa pagsasaayos ng kalusugan ng aming komunidad. Kaming mga health workers ay mas eager na sa pag-pasok sa trabaho at mas marami na kaming pasyenteng mabibigyan ng serbisyo at matutulungan. Dahil maganda at maaliwalas na, nakakatulong ito para gumaan ang pakiramdam ng pasyente bago pa man sila gamutin," added Ballasteros.
Meanwhile, at Brgy. Cataggaman Pardo Health Center in Tuguegarao City, Corazon Tanguilan, one of the health workers there share the same passion and dedication.
"As a healthcare provider, hindi po namin gaano iniisip ang kalakihan ng among health center. Ang importante po ay taos pusong pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa patients namin," said Tanguilan. Nasa kalooban po namin kung paano gagawing maayos ang pagpapatakbo ng aming operasyon."
Through their dedication, they strived to accommodate the healthcare needs of their patients despite unfortunate working conditions- from broken tiles, cracked wall paint, and damaged cabinets to limited electric fans for ventilation.
"Sira po ang aming mga tiles. Mahirap po ito dahil baka madulas o mapaano ang aming mga pasyente na kadalasan ay buntis at mga bata. Kaya nilagyan na lang po namin ito ng masking tape para makaiwas sa aksidente."
Another factor is the health center's layout and limited space which became more difficult during the pandemic. With sick children, pregnant women, and TB-DOTs patients, it felt like a weight was pressed against their chests as they hoped to safely accommodate all patients while implementing social distancing.
"During immunization days, may mga pregnant mothers na darating for prenatal check-up. Ine-entertain namin sila dahil hindi namin pwedeng pauwiin at pabalikin pa. Mahalaga po ang sapat na espasyo para maisagawa ang infection prevention ang control measures. Kaya mainam po ang ginawa ng SM Foundation na pagpapalawak ng health center namin para sa kaligtasan ng patients namin."
As their center was rebuilt from the ground up, they felt relief and gained renewed optimism to improve their operations. In addition to the installation of new equipment and facilities, complemented by cosmetic improvements such as fresh paint and tiles, the health center now has rooms for maternal care, medical check-ups, and TB-DOTs treatment. The spacious and well-ventilated lobby provides a warm welcome to local patients.
"27 years na po ako sa serbisyo at bihira po ang health center na naka-aircon at well-ventilated. Kaya ngayon pong naisaayos na po ito tiyak po ako na mas maeengganyo ang mga constituents namin na pumunta sa center."
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