San carlos city: The San Carlos City Hospital in Negros Occidental is taking significant strides in promoting accessible and holistic healthcare by establishing the first government hospital wellness center in the Negros Island Region (NIR). This new facility, featuring a patient and staff wellness center, pediatric playground, and therapeutic Zen and meditation garden, was inaugurated in a ceremony led by Mayor Renato Gustilo, with attendance from officials of the Provincial Health Office and the Department of Health (DOH).

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-NIR Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos, who participated in the opening along with Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral, praised the initiative as a 'best practice' of the local government unit (LGU)-run hospital in northern Negros. Ramos expressed satisfaction with the development, noting that the hospital is the first in the region to feature such a facility in a government hospital. He emphasized that it provides not only therapeutic healing but also holistic healing for both children and adults.

Health Undersecretary Maestral highlighted the importance of the pediatric playground in supporting children's recovery and providing a calming environment for patients and their families. She commended the LGU and the hospital leadership and staff for their dedication to accessible healthcare and enhancing health outcomes. Mayor Gustilo described the addition as simple yet meaningful, promoting healing and creating a more comforting environment for patients and their families.

Mayor Gustilo also committed additional funds for the operations and procurement of more equipment for the city hospital. He presented a 3D perspective of the proposed San Carlos City Medical Center, expressing hope that the national government, through the DOH, would allocate more resources to achieve the vision of quality, accessible, and universal healthcare for residents and neighboring towns and cities.