BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA
CEBU CITY, July 4 (PIA) --- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center has its first Wellness and Occupational Health Center in Cebu City.
Dr. Annabelle Fuentes, Hospital Wellnes Program of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) said this health center was established in order to educate and open the minds of the people to the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and maintain good health.
In an Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) Forum held at the Department of Health (DOH-7) regional Office, Fuentes added that the center offers a comprehensive wellness program including physical check up packages, consultations and other health care services that are affordable to all regardless of social status.
The rates for medical packages range from P700 to P3,500 depending on the medical laboratories the patients want to avail.
The center started in August 2013 that catered to only 30 patients per month but as of the moment, it increases to more than 100 patients in month.
There are 10 private and government offices that already signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Vicente Sotto to cater to their annual medical check ups and other health related services.
Fuentes encouraged the other offices to try its services and visit the center to see and experience how patients are treated.
On the other hand, Dr. Christopher Samson, Hospital Wellness Program Coordinator of VSMMC said cigarette smokers decreased since the sin tax law is implemented and due to the price increase of cigarette products mandated by the law.
The law imposes higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, overcoming a strong industry lobby that kept prices in the Philippines among the cheapest in the world.
Samson also said they are strongly advocating for the "no smoking" campaign all throughout the year.
He said this advocacy means they are educating people to avoid smoking and to refrain from drinking liquor and maintain good habit for healthy living.
Meanwhile, VSMMC is one of the hospitals in Cebu City awarded with Red Orchid Award for a smoke-free environment. (mbcn/hfg/PIA7/HFG with AGIO-7)