For public schools: Gr. I to III students to get free medical, dental check-ups

Grades one to three students will be able to avail of a free medical and dental check-up through DepEd's nationwide school health program dubbed as Universal Medical and Dental Check in public schools. The UMDC, which started yesterday and will end up tomorrow, seeks to promote good health and nutrition among school kids and ensure that they are not hindered by health problems from participating fully in school activities. With the theme " better health for improved learning," DepEd will have a series of medical mission to its graders to underscore the need to promote good health and nutrition among children in order for them to fully participate in education and gain from its benefits. The Department of Education reported that health problems among very young school children are among the leading causes of poor learning rates and drop out incidence, most of which occur in the first and third grades. " A lot of our students are unable to perform well in school because of malnutrition and health problems through these medical and dental check-ups, we will know how we can properly respond to our students' health concerns," Education Secretary Florencio Abad said in a memorandum that he issued. DepEd Cebu Schools Superintendent Leonolo Oliva said that the first activity will kick off in Zapatera Elementary School where students will undergo medical check-up from volunteer doctors and health professionals affiliated with medical organizations and associations. The Medical check-up will not only benefit Cebu Schools but also other schools in the country. The UMDC will provide each child with medical and dental card where nutritional data can be recorded. From this nutritional data, specialists will be able to identify children whose health are at risk and help guide DepEd in planning school feeding programs and other health interventions for the rest of the school year.