Camp Edwin Andrews Airbase Hospital in Zamboanga City has been upgraded and accredited as a Level 1 Hospital by SM Foundation.
The 29-bed Hospital, which operated as an infirmary catering to the health needs of 3,816 uniformed personnel and their dependents, was renovated and refurbished by SM Foundation and turned over last October 10, coinciding with the 11th Founding Anniversary of the Tactical Operations Command.
Connie Angeles, SVP and Executive Director of Health and Medical Programs of SM Foundation, turned over the donation to Lt. Gen. Rozzano D. Briguez, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, in simple ceremonies held at the spanking new hospital.
Edwin Andrews Airbase Hospital is SM Foundation’s 34th improved military health facility and the 157th wellness center.
Aside from serving military personnel and their dependents, the hospital also serves the surrounding community, including its stakeholders in Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
The renovation improved the Pharmacy, OR/DR Complex, Emergency Room, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Section, X-ray Room, Out-Patient Department, Military Ward, Dependents Ward and Isolation Room of the hospital.
Likewise, a Breastfeeding Room and Mobile Play Cabinet Station for children dependent were installed as part of the renovation. A new reception area with a waiting lounge was installed for those seeking medical help from the doctors assigned to the hospital.
The Mobile Play cabinet is an innovation of the health and medical programs of the Foundation. It is a movable play cabinet meant to provide therapeutic value to sick children, contributing to their speedy recovery and to assuage their fears of hospitalization.
The medical dispensary was first established in 1950 under the operational control of Sulu Air Task Group stationed in Baliwasan Moret during the height of a military offensive against the outlaw group of Hadji Kamlon.
In 1955, the dispensary was transferred to Santa Maria District and was renamed Edwin Andrews Air Base with the construction of a new medical wing.
In 1961, it was upgraded into a Medical Dispensary to cater to the growing PAF personnel in the area. Now it is home to the Tactical Operation Command with 5 Tactical Operations Group, 3 Tactical Operations Squadron and 4 tenants.
Among the military facilities SM Foundation has improved are Camp Ricarte Station in Puerto Princesa; BGen Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Air Force General Hospital in Villamor Air Base; Air Force City Hospital in Clark; Fernando Airbase Station Hospital in Lipa; Camp Evangelista Station Hospital Annex in Cagayan de Oro City; Camp Panacan in Davao, and many more.