The sprouting acts of kindness have been one of the positive outcomes of the pandemic. As the world began to realize the value of health, stakeholders and volunteers stepped up and came together to respond to the needs of communities, especially its vulnerable members.
SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) and its partners, for one, have continued their medical missions to provide equitable healthcare to various locations in the Philippines. To celebrate the 2022 Elderly Filipino Week Celebration, SMFI and SM Cares provided free medical services to the elderly at the SM Mall of Asia.
Over 200 senior citizens received free medical check-ups and medicines, including maintenance medicines. Its partner, Multicare Pharmaceutical, meanwhile, provided free bone scanning and bone supplements.
Extending its reach, SMFI also conducted a medical, diagnostic, and dental mission for members of low-income households in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City.
Over 500 beneficiaries were able to get free health services, including medical, dental, eye check-ups, x-ray, ECGs, sugar tests, cholesterol tests, uric acid tests, and hemoglobin count.
As the medical initiative has been conducted for almost 12 years in a row, residents of Brgy. The Holy Spirit is grateful for its partnership with SM Foundation as it allows individuals to look after their health amidst financial constraints.
“Sa pamamagitan ng SMFI medical missions, nagkakaroon ng oportunidad ang aming komunidad na mabigyan ng kalinga ang kanilang kalusugan. Pagkakataon din po namin ito upang tumulong sa mga miyembro ng aming komunidad, lalo na ang mga hindi nakapupunta sa doktor o dentista,” Don Antonio Heights Homeowner Association President and Rotary Club of Holy Spirit Past President Marcia Salvador said.
Through its Health and Medical Programs, SMFI upgrades public health centers in its host communities, complemented by its medical caravans across the country. To date, it has renovated more than 170 health and wellness centers and served more than 1 million patients during its medical missions.
Beyond the annual celebration, SM Senior Vice President and SM Cares Director Engr. Bien Mateo said SM has and will always have its doors open for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Aside from ensuring the discounts and benefits are duly given to elderlies and PWDs, SM Supermalls holds programs for them on wellness and seminars on disaster preparedness. Part-time job opportunities are also available for the elderly.
“At SM, everybody is welcome, and nobody gets left behind,” Engr. Mateo said.
