Stroke rehabilitation center opens in Barangay Tibungco, Davao City

Stroke survivors in Barangay Tibungco, Davao City, can now get therapy closer to home after a community-based rehabilitation center for stroke patients was inaugurated on Tuesday, 27 October, according to the Daily Tribune.

Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go and Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte led the ribbon-cutting. The event coincided with the blessing and turnover of the nearby Tibungco Super Health Center, which is meant to provide residents with primary health care, including consultations, diagnostic services and preventive care.

Speaking in Cebuano, Go said he was pleased that Tibungco now has a rehabilitation center in addition to the Super Health Center, noting that patients could have check-ups and rehabilitation there without having to travel to hospitals.

The senator said rehabilitation is essential for stroke patients, particularly those who struggle with movement, coordination, speech and other bodily functions. He added that community-based facilities could ease the financial and logistical burden on families and caregivers who support stroke survivors over the long term.

Go also cited Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialized medical centers in Department of Health hospitals nationwide. The law aims to widen access to services such as cardiovascular care, brain and spine treatment, and physical rehabilitation, especially for patients outside Metro Manila.

In Davao City, the Southern Philippines Medical Center offers specialized cardiovascular and other medical services, while the new Tibungco facility is intended to strengthen recovery support at the community level, according to the report.

Go called for coordination among local governments, health authorities and medical professionals so that community health facilities have enough equipment, personnel and resources.

Also present were Davao City Councilors Richlyn Justol and Danilo Dayanghirang, Barangay Tibungco Captain Merjade Calvo, City Health Officer Dr. Margie Roa-Rubio and Department of Health Region 11 Assistant Regional Director Grace Amistoso.