Two years ago, in August 2022, volunteer doctors and nurses from the Sun Han Volunteer Center of Korea arrived at the Lungsod ng San Pedro in Laguna for their annual medical mission.
The doctors and medical volunteers serviced over 2,028 residents from Barangays Landayan, San Vicente (Laguerta) and San Antonio (Southville 3A).
This annual partnership between a non-government health organization from South Korea and the San Pedro City Government is part of the city’s extensive and comprehensive approach to basic health care.
“The health needs of our constituents are a top priority, and I’m committed to ensuring that everyone in San Pedro has access to quality health and medical care,” said Mayor Art Mercado.
He added: “We have other countries that through their different foundations and organizations, continue to help the Lungsod ng Pedro.
Every year they conduct medical missions. Our Korean partners, as well as other health non-government organizations around the world, have generously extended assistance to meet the needs of San Pedrenses.”
LUNGSOD NG SAN PEDRO HOSPITAL
Upon his assumption in office, Mercado led in the ground-breaking ceremony of the San Pedro Medical Center (SPMC) in Barangay Narra, also in August 2022.
With Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez in attendance, together with other local officials, Mercado said the construction of the new public hospital is designed to further democratize health-care services to the city’s 326,001 constituents.
The city is also prioritizing the hiring of more health care professionals, Mercado said.
For the most part, primary healthcare services in San Pedro are provided by Barangay Health Centers. But San Pedrenses with more complicated cases require treatments and medical procedures provided by tertiary hospitals.
Unlike other cities in Laguna, private hospitals and clinics have mushroomed in San Pedro over the years. These include: San Pedro Doctors Hospital in Manila South Road-Brgy. Landayan, Divine Mercy Hospital at Guevara Subdivision, Westlake Medical Center on Manila South Road-Pacita Complex, Evangelista Medical Specialty Hospital along Macaria Ave.-Pacita Complex, and the Family Care Hospital along Macaria Ave.-Pacita Complex.
Still, it is a fact that private hospitals offer expensive medical procedures like surgery and transplants, leading to financial difficulties for the average San Pedro resident.
Two years since its 2022 ground-breaking, the planning of the first phase of the Lungsod ng San Pedro Hospital is finished.
“Through our public hospital, we will be able to address complicated health problems and concerns in a way that is immediate and affordable. Hindi na rin sila lalayo pa at pupunta sa ibang lugar [like Manila] para magpagamot. [They won’t have to go to Manila for treatment].”
The Lungsod ng San Pedro Mayor added that the City Government exercises prudent fiscal management to ensure that public funds are efficiently disbursed in the setting up of needed health and medical services.
“The planning of the first phase of the San Pedro Hospital, which was initiated by the previous administration, is already completed. However, the project is still ongoing, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the hospital becomes fully operational as soon as possible. This facility is crucial for our city, and I understand how important it is for our residents to have a local hospital they can rely on,” Mercado elaborated.
QUALITY HEALTH CARE
Next to the completion of the hospital, Mercado is focusing on improving existing medical facilities, upgrading equipment, expanding services, and enhancing the overall quality of care.
To date, the health services provided by the City Government cover the following areas—Circumcision (Operation Manhood) and Family Planning & Reproductive Health (Bilateral Tubal Ligation, Progestin-only Subdermal Implant, Non-scalpel vasectomy, Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion, and Blood Letting Activities).
It likewise has field health services that include: HIV/AIDS screening and counseling, adolescent health and development counselling, emerging and re-emerging disease surveillance, rehabilitation and wellness services, smoking cessation services, dangerous drug screening and examination, mental health services, and health education services.
More importantly, the City Government offers scheduled services on flu vaccinations, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-23 (PPV-23), cancer screening services for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer.
“We are committed to making sure that our current health centers can meet the needs of our growing population while we work on larger infrastructure projects. Another key area we’re addressing is the shortage of medical personnel. We’re actively recruiting more doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers to ensure that every patient receives timely and effective care. Our goal is to reduce wait times and improve the overall experience for our constituents when they seek medical help,” Mercado said.
BOTIKA NI SAN PEDRO
Last year, in June, Mercado launched the Botika ni San Pedro Program. A total of P25-million worth of prescribed medicines were distributed to some 24,341 beneficiaries.
A flagship project of the Mercado administration, Botika ni San Pedro is a city-owned pharmacy that provides free medicine to San Pedrenses.
The initiative has proven useful and vital for countless residents that have difficulty affording necessary medications.
“We are committed to continuously improve this service to ensure that no one in San Pedro goes without the medicine they need,” Mercado said.
To get free medicine from Botika ni San Pedro, a resident only has to present an updated, original prescription that is signed by a licensed doctor from a hospital or clinic. A valid, legal ID will also be required to prove that the beneficiary lives in San Pedro.
Once the requirements are met, the Office of the Mayor will issue a slip that will be presented to the Botika ni San Pedro located at the ground floor of the San Pedro City Hall.
Mercado cautioned the public that not all medicines can be provided at this point in time because there are specific allocations for each patient.
“Overall, we are dedicated to building a healthier San Pedro. Whether through completing the hospital, enhancing existing facilities, or expanding access to essential medicines, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the health needs of our people are taken care of,” Mercado concluded.—Trixzy Leigh Bonotan
