DepEd Expands Healthcare Access for Over 47,000 School Beneficiaries

MANILA, Philippines—Over 47,000 target beneficiaries may now access primary healthcare services after the Department of Education (DepEd) led a nationwide health drive on Monday across 91 public school campuses in 85 cities and provinces, transforming local campuses into primary healthcare hubs. According to a DepEd statement, the initiative is part of the multi-agency Handog program. This initiative aims to provide services such as health check-ups, immunizations, and health education to students and their families. It is seen as a crucial step in improving children's health and facilitating early detection and prevention of illnesses, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. Access to healthcare is a long-standing issue in the Philippines due to economic disparities, with many families in rural and impoverished areas facing difficulties in obtaining even basic medical services. The expansion of healthcare access through schools is expected to reach a broader segment of the population, as schools are places children attend daily and are easily accessible to parents. The initiative also seeks to raise children's health awareness and establish a foundation for lifelong healthy habits. DepEd has indicated its intention to continue and expand this program in collaboration with other government agencies and local government units. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo