Various studies have proven that law enforcement work significantly impacts physical and mental health, with professionals facing higher health risks than many occupational groups.
Officers are prone to heart disease, chronic pain, and sleep disorders stemming from irregular working hours and the need for constant vigilance. They suffer depression, stress, and potential substance abuse, driven by repeated exposure to traumatic incidents and human suffering.
To address the needs of law enforcement professionals, the SM Foundation ramped up its health and medical programs, refurbishing health facilities, including the Camp Bado Dangwa Hospital in La Trinidad, Benguet. It is the fifth renovated police facility and the 212th SM Foundation wellness center.
Police Col. Alma Paredes, Chief of RDMU-CAR, said that uniformed personnel have not given enough attention to their health for years, often influenced by misconceptions surrounding their profession.
“In the past, police officers were not particularly focused on their health. There is a common perception that being in law enforcement requires toughness, which has led some officers to avoid seeking medical attention when unwell, fearing it might be seen as a sign of weakness. Personnel can render service, but this contrasts with the fact that we lack facilities,” Paredes stressed.
With the hospital’s refurbishment, it is now able to better address healthcare needs, allowing police officers to prioritize their health and have a new outlook on healthcare. The upgraded facility can now deliver comprehensive healthcare services with a new pathological laboratory enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses of patient health conditions.
The hospital is also able to carry out its other programs, including in-person and teleconsultations, dental care, annual physical exams, short-term hospitalization, emergency and minor surgical services, eye care, and various laboratory tests.
The improved environment of the facility complements its psychiatric services, which include counseling, stress management programs, and a variety of therapy options tailored to the needs of its personnel.
A Search and Rescue (SAR) box was also added, allowing advanced search and rescue operations. The foundation also equipped the hospital with SM DigiKonsulta to boost its digitalization efforts.
After the renovation, Paredes is optimistic that they will be able to accommodate more patients: “Only a few were able to go because of a scheduling system. The establishment cannot accommodate patients simultaneously, but thanks to SM Foundation’s help, the establishment is capable of doing so now.”
