ON OCTOBER 18, Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) – Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (IPBM) celebrated the groundbreaking of the proposed state-of-the-art two-story male ward building with out-patient department (OPD) waiting area.
For several years, mental health was not a priority in terms of infrastructure, but now with this soon to be constructed facility, clients who are not able take care of themselves will be served better; hence, their mental health condition will improve.
This facility is intended not only to replace the old burned structure but to become one of the premier world class mental health facilities in Mindanao. It aims to serve the needs of the people with mental health issues not only in Davao City, but also the whole region and provinces of the Philippines.
It will surely provide accessible, equitable, holistic, and responsive mental health care services. The need to uplift the living conditions of the patients while they are recovering from mental illness inside the IPBM was the driving force of the vision to build this new structure.
The design of the new building reflects the IPBM’s therapeutic caring approach and globally competitive mental health care system, with the adaptability to respond to the changing needs of clients. Enthusiasm and gratitude filled the air as Dr. Leopoldo Vega –Chief Director of SPMC, Dr. Ricardo Justol-Hospital Administrator, Dr.Ricardo Audan- Chief of Clinics and Marjorie Dureza-Culas, Mayor Sarah Duterte’s representative wore the white hats and dug into the soil, then, symbolically threw the first shovelfuls of it into the pit.
During the ceremony, Vega shared, “Gradually, we are trying to improve the IPBM, making sure that we are not just able to improve the structure, but also improve the services like human resources.” He also added that new buildings or structures would be needing passionate people to work in terms of doctors, nurses, aides and the administrative side. He also shared that the improvement of the IPBM is a responsibility that will greatly benefit the IPBM clients.
Construction of the two-story building is now underway. Congratulations to SPMC-IPBM.