DepEd Butuan City Division Conducts Annual Health Examination for Personnel
By LYNDEN G. MERNILO
Master Teacher I
Butuan Central Elementary School
The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division aims to ensure the well-being and health of DepEd personnel in the division.
Section 8 of the Republic Act No. 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act” states that all public school teachers and other Department of Education personnel shall undergo an annual medical examination to be administered by any licensed physician, subject to guidelines that shall be issued by the Department of Health in coordination with the Department of Education to ensure the health and well-being of teachers and other education personnel, as well as to detect any illnesses or diseases that may affect their ability to perform their duties effectively. In response, DepEd Butuan City Division released Memorandum Number 018, Series of 2023, which mandates the compliance of all personnel with the annual health examination.
The health exam includes various tests such as blood pressure monitoring, blood tests, urinalysis, an oral exam, and a chest x-ray, which will be administered to all DepEd personnel in the division, including teachers, non-teaching staff, and school administrators. Moreover, the division emphasized the importance of the annual health examination, particularly in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, where health and safety are of utmost importance. Thus, it is vital for ensuring the physical and mental health of all DepEd personnel. It also promotes a culture of health and wellness within the division and encourages personnel to take proactive steps to maintain their health.Hence, the division office encourages all personnel to take the examination seriously and to follow the medical team’s recommendations for maintaining good health.
The annual health examination for DepEd personnel is a proactive measure that underscores the importance of maintaining good health and wellness in the workplace. By prioritizing the health of its personnel, the Division of Butuan City promotes a culture of health and safety, which ultimately benefits the students and the education system as a whole. As the educational system faces unprecedented challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, prioritizing health and well-being is essential to being able to continue working towards a better and healthier future. ###
