DepEd opens medical, dental school clinics

By Sally A. Altea

The Department of Education (DepEd) – Bicol is set to open 169 state-of-the-art medical and dental clinics for its learners, teachers and personnel in the region.

“Timely for the opening of classes, the clinics shall provide access for health services among learners and DepEd personnel who need preventive and curative services, including immediate dental and medical emergency care in schools,” DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad said.

The fully functional medical and dental clinics are equipped with high-end equipment and machines.

DENTAL CLINIC. DepEd recently inaugurated 169 medical and dental school clinics, with the blessing and ribbon cutting ceremonies led by divisions on Legazpi City, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. (Photo by DepEd Bicol)

To render medical and dental services, DepEd Bicol has a total of 13 medical officers or one officer per division and one regional medical officer, 55 dentists and about 300 nurses.

This team will man the clinics appropriated per division: Albay – 18; Camarines Norte - 4; Camarines Sur - 34; Catanduanes - 18; Masbate - 59; Sorsogon – 20; Iriga City – 2; Legazpi City – 4; Masbate City – 3; Naga City – 5; and Sorsogon City – 2.

Sadsad said each recipient school was provided with medical and dental supplies and materials amounting to P200,000.00, along with funds for program implementation that may include capacity building for the recipient schools.

“The recipient schools shall ensure to allocate funds for the maintenance and continuous operation of the clinics, which will also cater to nearby schools,” Sadsad said.

Out of the 169 clinics, 149 are ready before the opening of classes while the rest are set to open within his year. (PIA5/Albay)