A two-story building now stands on the site where once a single-floor structure occupied. This new building houses the City Health Center II of Urdaneta City in Pangasinan, one of three health centers in the city.
Renovated and refurbished by SM Foundation, the new building was inaugurated and turned over to the city governmnent of Urdaneta led by Mayor Amadeo “Bobom” G.E. Perez IV, Vice Mayor Julio F. Parayno III and City Health Officer Bernardo C. Macaraeg, M.D by SM Foundation Executive Director for Health & Wellness Connie Angeles.
The ceremonies came two weeks after the passing on of SM founder Mr. Henry Sy Sr.
This is the first health center to be turned over by the Foundation for the year. Rehabilitation and renovation work commenced last year and with its inauguration, two more health facilities whose refurbishment started in 2018 remain to be turned over this year.
Angeles however shared that for 2019 alone, the Foundation targets 10 more health facilities to be rehabilitated and handed over to respective recipients.
Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Rachel Ann Parayno in her message expressed her gratitude to Mr. Henry Sy Sr as she lauded the ideal set up made by SM Foundation with the breastfeeeding area, spacious laboratory, restroom for PWDs and wellness centers for children and the elderly.
With these innovations, she underscored that the health center will be able to address the needs of the 16 barangays of the city. “Let it this be another milestone in the medical service for the people. Thank you po, Tatang Henry Sy.”
Words of gratitude to Mr. Henry Sy were also expressed by Mayor Perez, Vice Mayor Parayno and Dr. Macareg.
With the renovation, the health center is now qualified for three Philhealth accreditation: Tuberculosis-Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (TB-DOTS), Out-patient Benefit Package (OBP), and Primary Care Benefit Package.
Aside from renovating the center, SM Foundation also provided new furnitures, fixtures, equipment and medicines in its pharmacy.
The renovated health center serves as an inspiration to the city health personnel.
Macaraeg said he hopes they can meet the demands of the people of Urdaneta “because when they see the facillities, they are looking forward to a good service also.”
The health center serves 16 barangays dispensing health services to about 100 patients daily.
These barangays are Anonas, Bactad East, Bactad proper, Bayaos, Bolaoen, Cabuloan, Camanang, Casantaan, Cayambanan, Consolacion, Dilan Paurido, Nancalobasaan, Nancayasan, Macalong, Tipuso, and Tulong. It now boasts of the following facilities: consultation area, OB consultation area, treatment area, pharmacy, storage room for medicines and other medical supplies, dental room, laboratory and TB-DOTS center, vaccination room, cold storage area and the breastfeeding station aside from the wellness centers. Macaraeg shared that with the renovation, it has put in place a satellite sanitation office.
The health center is the 45th community health center improved by SM Foundation and is site of the 153rd FTS Wellness Center to date.
