A LAWMAKER said on Tuesday that an ordinance is underway to appropriate funds for establishing a community-based rehabilitation program in three districts in the city.
During the Aprubado sa Konseho on July 2, Councilor Lorenzo Villafuerte, committee chair on civil, political, and human rights, said that a center already exists but lacks operation funds.
“Before this was made as a community-based rehabilitation center, but I proposed we change it into a program so that we can replicate it in other districts, “ Villafuerte said.
At present, a stroke center currently stands in Tibungco in the second district but there is a need for employees to man the center.
Once established, Villafuerte added these centers will offer therapy services to patients with neurological, orthopedic, pediatric, and other physical conditions.
Priority for the rehab program will come in phases depending on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the ordinance.
For the first phase, the program will cater to stroke patients, neurological condition patients will be catered to in the second phase, and orthopedic and orthopedic in the third.
“Eventually, we can cater to everyone, and following the ironing out of the center in the second districts, the 1st and 3rd districts will follow,” Villafuerte said.
The committee has conducted several hearings along with physicians and physical therapists under the Department of Health to tackle the ordinance. At present, they are awaiting the endorsement of the Local Health Board before being submitted for a second reading in the city council.
Villafuerte said it is best to do this given the city government cannot provide physical therapists catering to each of the 182 barangay centers.
The councilor added this would help the less fortunate Davaoeños access free physical rehabilitation, which costs P500-P1500 in therapy clinics depending on the case.
As of 2022, the physical therapy rate in Southern Philippines Medical Center, which includes exercise with modalities, costs P150 per session.
