The San Juan City local government in partnership with SM foundation has opened the first-ever Wellness Hub at the San Juan Medical Center (SJMC) on Wednesday, Oct. 8, marking a major milestone in its continuing effort to promote preventive and people-centered healthcare.

It offers a calm and welcoming space where San Juaneños can focus not only on treatment but also on overall well-being.

It added that the hub was the first facility of its kind in any government hospital in the country.

The hub features specialized sections, including the Nursing Lounge, TeenThrive Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Lifestyle Medicine, Comprehensive Care Suite, Sight & Sound Diagnostic Suite, and a Meditation Chapel.

Three additional wellness sections -- Clear Imaging (X-rays and Ultrasound), Kinetic and Vitality Rehabilitation Gym), and Bite and Smile (Wellness Dental Unit) -- are set to open soon.

Mayor Francis Zamora said the new facility reflects the city’s vision of “Makabagong San Juan”, where accessible and quality healthcare is available for all.

“Sa tulong po nila ay ating naitayo ang ating makabagong wellness center na siyang papakinabangan po ng napakaraming mamamayan natin at ito po ay sa tulong ng SM Foundation (With their help, we were able to establish our very own wellness center, which will benefit many of our citizens — all made possible through the support of the SM Foundation),” he said. 

SJMC Director Dr. Gen. Joseph Acosta said the opening of the wellness hub fulfills years of planning and preparation aimed at improving community health.

“Matapos ang ilang taon naming paghahanda, makikita n’yo na po, bukas na kami. Ang ganda po ng ating wellness center. Ito po ay para sa lahat, hindi lang para sa mga pasyente, kundi pati para sa mga health workers at sa buong komunidad ng San Juan (After several years of preparation, you can now see it, we are finally open. Our wellness center is beautiful. It is for everyone, not only for patients but also for our health workers and the entire community of San Juan),” he said. 

He added that the hub will help encourage residents to prioritize preventive care, noting that wellness initiatives can reduce hospital admissions and allow more resources to be directed toward health promotion.

“Ngayon, meron na po kayong mapupuntahan kung gusto n’yong magpa-annual check-up o magpa-reemployment check-up — dito na po kayo pupunta (Now, you have a place to go if you want to have your annual check-up or reemployment check-up — this is where you should come),” Acosta said.

“Marami pa po tayong bubuksan. Sa ngayon, may ilang sections na po kaming handa, at madaragdagan pa ito ng apat pang sections sa mga susunod na panahon. Mamaya po, makikita n’yo rin ang mga ito (There’s more to come. For now, we have a few sections ready, and we will be adding four more sections in the coming months. You’ll be able to see them later),” he added. 

The wellness hub represents San Juan’s broader goal of building a healthier, stronger, and more hopeful community through accessible and modern health services.