SM Foundation's health center renovation to benefit 50,000 South Cotabato residents

The philanthropic arm of the SM conglomerate said on Friday that it had recently completed refurbishing the Polomolok East Community Clinic in South Cotabato, marking a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural areas.

In a statement, SM Foundation said this major renovation project aims to provide better healthcare to nearly 50,000 residents — part of its bigger mission of bringing  medical services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Expanded services, modern facilities

The newly refurbished clinic now includes specialized areas catering to a variety of healthcare needs, such as animal bite treatment, tuberculosis treatment, nebulization, counseling, and family planning.

These enhancements are designed to meet PhilHealth Accreditation standards, ensuring that the clinic can provide comprehensive and quality care. 

In addition to these specialized services, the clinic has been equipped with a modern dental clinic, an operation room, a conference room, a physician's room, and a restroom that is accessible to persons with disabilities. These additions aim to support healthcare workers in their mission to deliver efficient and effective care to the community.

SM Foundation refurbished the Polomolok East Community Clinic in South Cotabato./contributed photo

Sustainable, eco-friendly features

The Polomolok East Community Clinic's renovation also highlights SM Foundation’s commitment to sustainability.

The facility incorporates eco-conscious appliances, air-cleaning paints, and locally sourced plants to create a healthier environment for patients and staff.

A rainwater catchment system has been installed to promote water conservation, further emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to environmentally responsible practices.

Digital healthcare transformation

In a bid to embrace digital innovation, SM Foundation also introduced the SM DigiKonsulta service, enabling teleconsultations and the digitalization of patient records.

This move is expected to streamline healthcare delivery and make medical consultations more accessible to remote communities, particularly those unable to travel frequently to the clinic.

The Polomok clinic also features eco-conscious appliances, air-cleaning paints, locally sourced plants and a rainwater catchment system./contributed photo

Community-centric approach

The refurbishing of the Polomolok East Community Clinic is also part of its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, the foundation said. By partnering with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies, it ensures that its programs are aligned with the unique needs of the communities it serves.

“SM Foundation integrates itself in communities to grasp the unique social challenges they face, enabling us to create localized, relevant, and sustainable programs,” SM Foundation executive director Deborah Pe-Sy said. “Engaging stakeholders in both planning and execution drives the success of our social good initiatives.”

With this initiative, SM Foundation continues to play a crucial role in addressing healthcare disparities across the country, aiming to improve the quality of life for thousands of Filipinos in underserved areas.

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