Malls have been a popular place for Filipinos not only to shop but also to hang out and relax.
Given that malls have also become convenient places for certain government services, it's only logical for the Department of Health (DOH) to set up its own services inside a major mall in Tacloban City.
DOH Region 8 officials recently opened its first mall-based Wellness Clinic in the region, with the aim of bringing basic health services to where people live, work, and shop.
Located at the ground floor of Robinsons North Tacloban, the clinic is part of the DOH initiative to expand preventive healthcare services, especially for workers, senior citizens, and shoppers, who may not regularly visit hospitals or health centers.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said this initiative also responds to growing concerns about the physical and mental well-being of youth, many of whom delay seeking medical help due to stigma, lack of time, or limited access to youth-friendly facilities.
“Tiningnan ko ang top 10 illnesses sa bansa, there are nutrition problems, immunization gaps, HIV, road crashes, mental health concerns, at sexually-transmitted infections. Napansin ko na halos lahat ng ito ay problema ng kabataan,” Herbosa cited.
He added the mall-based facility provides a convenient and safe option for the public to seek medical assistance
DOH is likewise promoting preventive healthcare, urging the public to take action before illness develops rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
“Gusto rin po naming baguhin ang konsepto na sa ospital lang pupunta kapag may sakit na. Ang wellness ay tungkol sa pag-iwas sa sakit, tamang pagkain, ehersisyo, at tamang lifestyle. Prevention is more effective, more affordable, and saves more lives in the long run,” Herbosa said.
The DOH Wellness Clinic will offer, as basic services, BMI assessment and risk assessment for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney diseases; healthy lifestyle modification campaign and counselling; family planning services and counselling; and HIV screening and counselling.
For special services, the Tacloban City Hospital will provide common ambulatory concerns and special services every Tuesday of the month.
(With report from PIA)
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