Maasin City adopts Essential Health Care Program for schoolchildren

By Rebecca S. Cadavos

Monday 3rd of September 2012

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 3 (PIA) -- The city government of Maasin through the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) has approved the implementation of the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) in an ordinance numbered 2012-064.

“The adaptation of the health program is for children enrolled in the public schools through the provision toothbrushes, fluoride toothpastes, and soaps,” said SP Secretary-Designate Emma P. Rojas.

The program promotes proper hand washing, toothbrushing and deworming among pre-school and elementary pupils. It seeks to curb the incidence of diseases associated with poor hygiene and sanitation practices among school kids.

Rojas said a P300,000 appropriation was initially available under the Special Education Fund (SEF) and additional funds through the City Health Units equivalent to the number of children enrolled for the current school year.

A memorandum of agreement with the DepEd and other agencies both private and public was entered for the proper implementation and roles of partners for the health care program.

“It is the duty and obligation of all constituents especially the parents of these kids to conduct and teach proper hygienic practices not only within their households but in public areas also,” the report said.

Essential Health Care package is one of the flagship programs of the education department to improve health and hygiene practices of school children. (EOT/RSC-PIA8 Southern Leyte)