SEN. Bong Go said the institutionalization of school clinics in all public elementary and secondary schools would address critical gaps in on-site health care services for students.
He said Senate Bill 1780 aims to improve access to basic health care within schools, particularly in geographically isolated areas.
Under the measure, each clinic would serve as the school’s primary health service delivery unit, offering first aid and emergency care, basic medical and nursing services, regular health screening and monitoring, health education initiatives, disease prevention programs, and nutrition assessment and counseling.
Citing data from the Department of Education, Go said only 28 percent, or about 13,081 out of 47,013 public schools nationwide, currently have school clinics.
“This leaves a significant number of students without immediate access to basic medical attention during school hours,” he said.
The senator said this is detrimental to children who spend the bulk of their time in school.
Go added that the reality on the ground remains far from the DepEd target of one functional clinic in every public school.
“Many still lack proper health facilities, medical equipment, or full-time health personnel, especially in rural and remote areas,” he said.
Under the proposed framework, DepEd would oversee overall planning and integration of the program.
At the same time, the Department of Public Works and Highways would serve as the lead agency for the design and construction of clinic facilities.
Local government units may provide counterpart support, and the Department of Health would set standards for clinic layout and medical functionality.
