Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
DepEd opens school clinics to boost healthcare access for 47,000 students
The Department of Education has launched a nationwide health initiative converting 91 public school campuses into primary healthcare facilities. The program, rolled out across 85 cities and provinces, aims to expand medical services to nearly 47,000 beneficiaries.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Education has mobilized a multi-agency health drive to bring primary healthcare services directly to students and school communities across the Philippines. The nationwide initiative, launched Monday, transformed 91 public school campuses in 85 cities and provinces into healthcare access points, according to a DepEd statement.
The expansion is expected to benefit approximately 47,000 target beneficiaries who will now have access to essential primary healthcare services on their school campuses. By converting local educational facilities into health hubs, the program seeks to address gaps in medical access while reducing barriers that prevent students from seeking timely care.
The initiative represents part of a broader multi-agency effort to strengthen health service delivery in underserved communities. School-based healthcare programs have been recognized as effective mechanisms for reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring preventive health measures reach young Filipinos.
The DepEd move aligns with efforts to integrate health and education services, enabling schools to serve as anchor points for community wellness programs. Officials view the school campuses as strategic locations to deliver basic medical services while maintaining focus on educational outcomes.