Visayas Opens First DOH Wellness Hub in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health–Negros Island Region Center for Health Development (DOH-NIR CHD) officially opened the first mall-based DOH Wellness Clinic in the Visayas at SM City Bacolod on Tuesday.

The launch marks a milestone in the region’s public health efforts, bringing preventive healthcare closer to the community.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral led the event alongside DOH-NIR CHD Regional Director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, CLMMRH Medical Center Chief Dr. Joan Cerada, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, and SM City Bacolod Media Relations Manager May Castro.

This is the second DOH Wellness Clinic in the country, following the pilot clinic at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Located at the Government Service Express Area on the third floor of SM City Bacolod’s North Wing, the clinic is open Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It offers free and accessible wellness services, including general and OB-Gyne consultations, pediatric wellness counseling, physical assessments, nutrition counseling, health screenings, telekonsulta assistance, and health education.

The clinic operates in partnership with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), whose medical specialists will provide scheduled consultations.

DOH staff and student volunteers from local nursing schools will support the delivery of services.

Following a soft opening on June 30, the clinic is now fully operational and aims to promote health and wellness before illness occurs.

The facility also features a Health Lounge, where visitors can engage in health education, watch informational videos, attend wellness sessions, and participate in interactive talks.

A Kid’s Corner and designated safe zones for community health discussions make the clinic a family-friendly space.