THE SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) laid out a weeklong array of activities in observance of the National Hospital Week 2023 on Aug. 5-11.
During Kapihan sa PIA on August 4, Lotes Jason, SPMC health education and promotion officer, said the celebration offers a much-needed mental health break for healthcare workers and for hospital staff to engage in other activities outside work.
“This will also be a venue for our personnel to showcase their talent, as well as wit and beauty,” Jason said.
She said the weeklong celebration will start on Aug. 5 with a fun run in two categories: 3 km. and 5 km., starting from SPMC Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, formerly Davao Mental Hospital to SPMC main grounds (Carabao Monument). The proceeds will go to the Dr. Gerry Cunanan Mindanao Heart Foundation.
Meanwhile, the sports fest finals for volleyball men and women will also fall on the same day at the IPBM Gymnasium.
Jason added that a parade showcasing the five divisions of SPMC—Medical Service, Hospital Support, Nursing Service, Finance, and the Professional and Allied Health Division—will be held on Aug. 6. The Mr. and Mrs. SPMC and a dance contest will be held on Aug. 9 and 10, respectively.
Jason highlighted that the ‘Patients Day’ on Aug. 8, will be fun-filled with raffle prizes, to acknowledge the patrons’ unwavering loyalty to SPMC.
“This is in grateful recognition of our clients, despite the volume of patients that we have, we still continue to serve the public efficiently, and (give) access also to all our clients,” she added.
The culminating activity will be the ‘Service Awards’ on Aug. 11 which will be graced by ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
The annual celebration is in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 181 series of 1993 declaring Aug. 6-12 as National Hospital Week to promote awareness of hospital programs and in recognition of the social role of hospitals in healthcare.
SPMC medical mission continues
Jason said they conducted a medical mission to the Talaingod community in Davao del Norte last week.
“Naa gihapon tay mga (We still conduct) healthcare caravans, ‘Operation Tuli’, and medical missions as far as Jolo, Sulu, Mati, Davao Oriental, and outskirts of Davao City like Marilog,” Jason said.
She said they will continue to serve the community upon the request of the local government units.
