SM Foundation, Inc. recently led the turnover of the 114th Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center located at the AFP Medical Center’s Convalescence Ward.
The Wellness Center is the Foundation’s way of paying tribute to the men and women in uniform as it also comes with the upgrading of the Convalescence Ward of the AFPMC. The upgrade involved not only refurbishing and repainting but also the construction of reception areas for patients and their immediate family during visits. Also put in place were the Assistive Device Station, Medication Room, Counseling and Vocational Evaluation Room, Testing Room, Nurses Station, Livelihood Training and Activity Area and an AFPMC gender responsive Female Convalescence Ward. SMFI also provided television sets and board games for the entertainment of patients.
The Convalescence Ward is particularly significant as it implements the AFP’s rehabilitation programs for disabled soldiers who sustained service-connected disability. These rehab programs are conducted prior to a soldier’s separation from military service to prepare him for the time when he reverts to civilian status. Livelihood training, health education lecture series, group dynamics, and psychosocial processing through counseling and vocational section are some of the activities implemented via the program.
Among the in-house livelihood training programs conducted are computer literacy and hardware as well as meat/food processing and carpentry. Outside vocational trainings such as computer training are conducted with partner agencies/organizations. Vocational evaluation and Certificate of Disability (CDD) are given to deserving soldiers who intend to undergo schooling on vocational/technical courses.
Among the other functions of the Convalescence Ward is the conduct of psychological evaluations that include intelligence tests, aptitude, personality and interest tests, the results of which are incorporated in a case plan for an individual soldier. Counseling is also provided to soldiers facing problems as a result of the disability or diseases acquired. Health education lectures geared towards the acquisition of coping skills are likewise given by professionals.
Aside from the rehabilitation programs, the Convalescence Ward is also a venue for medical examination and evaluation of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cognitive system as well as physical and occupational therapy. Informal dialogue on disability claims and benefits also takes place at the ward where claimants exchange and share their experiences and opinions.
The AFP Medical Center Convalescence Ward has coordinated with the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PHILSPADA) for the screening of athletes for the Paralympics, a move that boosts the morale of the differently-abled sports enthusiasts among the soldiers.
The Convalescence Ward was created in response to the need for rehabilitating military patients who suffered battle-related injuries, and was inaugurated in 1997 during the time of President Fidel Ramos, with then First Lady Amelita Ramos – acknowledged as the guiding figure and number one benefactor of the project – as guest of honor.
With the upgrade, the atmosphere at the Convalescence Ward is no longer drab and gloomy, with the cheerful surroundings now greeting patients, medical personnel and visitors.
The SM Foundation has been conducting upgrades and renovations in military facilities, with the Convalescence Ward at the AFP Medical Center the 16th that the Foundation has upgraded. Previously, the AFP Medical Center was also the beneficiary of a refurbished Heroes Ward and Orthopedic Ward by the SM Foundation.