CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—The Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM) forged a significant linkage with its new partner community, Brgy. Bunu-anan of Catbalogan City, in a move to establish an Academic Health Center that shall provide the community with healthcare services, medical education, and social outreach.
Samar State University (SSU) and Brgy. Bunu-anan formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The University was represented by President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia and SIIM Acting Dean Dr. Noel L. Espallardo, while Brgy. Bunu-anan was represented by Chairperson Mr. Jose Angel N. Dacaynos and Secretary Ms. Rosalia O. Nuevo.
According to Dr. Espallardo, SIIM seeks to “establish a model of primary care facility in the Universal Health Care” through this forthcoming Academic Health Center.
Alongside establishing the Academic Health Center at Brgy. Bunu-anan, SIIM also seek to equip the facility with necessary medical and educational resources—few of which have already been delivered to the partner community, including ultrasound, ECG, blood chemistry, hematology, and urine analyzer. Furthermore, SIIM aims to provide healthcare services, preventive care, and wellness programs, facilitate clinical training and research opportunities for students, and promote community health initiatives and outreach programs through the health center.
Meanwhile, as a partner community, Brgy. Bunu-anan shall provide logistical and infrastructural support for the establishment of the center, assist in promoting healthcare services to the residents, and engage in collaborative initiatives to address community health needs.
Prior to the MOA signing, SIIM extended healthcare services to the residents of Brgy. Bunu-anan cthrough its medical students and personnel, including urinalysis, hematology tests, blood chemistry analysis, blood pressure monitoring, and other primary care screening procedures.