School Health Personnel Shortage Blamed for Teacher Burden Following Cavite Deworming Incident

A teachers’ group has raised concerns about the shortage of school health personnel, which forces teachers to take on responsibilities beyond their teaching duties, following the death of a Grade 4 student who fell ill after a deworming activity in Cavite. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines stated that teachers should not be blamed for the tragedy, attributing it to decades-long shortages of teachers and qualified education support personnel, leaving schools without enough school nurses, guidance counselors, and other essential professionals. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) had previously flagged significant gaps in the country’s healthcare workforce, indicating a shortage of 94,000 doctors, 196,000 nurses, and substantial numbers of midwives and allied health professionals needed to meet ideal thresholds. Ruby Bernardo, Chairperson of ACT Philippines, explained that due to the current deficit of healthcare workers, teachers often assume the role of Mass Drug Administration Provider (MDAP) in schools because of the scarcity of health professionals. She noted that while nurses or doctors from the Schools Division Office (SDO) should be present, their limited numbers lead to teachers facilitating such activities. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), MDAP is responsible for administering deworming drugs. This role can be assigned to a teacher under the supervision of health personnel from DepEd, the Department of Health (DoH), or the local government unit (LGU), provided they have the necessary health background and capacity. DepEd's WASH in Schools (WinS) Three Star Approach Implementation booklets suggest that adverse effects from deworming medication are usually rare and often caused by dead worms within the body. Recommended measures for symptoms like abdominal discomfort, headache, and nausea include rest and hydration. However, at Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Trece Martires City, Cavite, a Grade 4 pupil was hospitalized on July 2 after participating in the routine deworming activity. The student reportedly vomited and later passed away on July 3 due to infections that led to septic shock. Seven other learners experienced adverse effects but have since recovered. DepEd has committed to thoroughly investigating the incident in collaboration with health authorities. The agency also plans to review its health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of learners, emphasizing that their safety remains the highest priority. The department is providing support to the grieving family.