CEBU CITY – The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center here continues to advocate and promote good health and wellness as it encourage residents to stay fit and healthy.
The hospital is the first to open its first Wellness and Occupational Health Center in Cebu City. Dr. Annabelle Fuentes said the 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.
Fuentes said the center offers a comprehensive wellness program and consultations and other health care services that are affordable to all. The rates for medical packages range from P700 to P3,500.
The center, which began its operation in August last year, is now catering to some 100 patients a month. There are 10 private and government offices that already signed the Memorandum of Agreement with Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to cater to their annual medical check-up and examination, and other health-related services.
Fuentes also encouraged other offices to avail of the medical program for their employees.
The hospital has been given the Department of Health’s Red Orchid Award for having a smoke-free environment. Red Orchid Awards is the first of its kind in the world in giving out recognition to cities, municipalities, government offices and health facilities that are strictly enforcing tobacco control measures.
Dr. Christopher Samson, Hospital Wellness Program Coordinator, also encouraged cigarette users to stop smoking and drinking due to the hazards its pose to human health.
In an effort to discourage smokers and drinkers, the government passed a law that 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.
Cigarette smokers decreased since the sin tax law is implemented and due to the price increase of cigarette products mandated by the law.
Samson said they are educating people to avoid smoking and to refrain from drinking liquor and maintain good habit for healthy living. (Hazel Gloria)
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