The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with private healthcare provider 1Life, Inc. to establish free on-site primary care clinics in public schools nationwide, bringing basic medical services directly to learners, teachers, school personnel, and eligible parents.
The initiative will provide check-ups, laboratory tests, medicines, and other primary care services under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) YAKAP Program.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara and 1Life President Niño Namoco formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement, marking the start of the nationwide school health initiative.
“Malaking bagay ito para sa ating mga guro at mag-aaral dahil kung may nararamdaman ang bata o ang teacher, hindi na nila kailangang lumabas ng paaralan o gumastos para lang magpatingin sa doktor,” Angara said.
“We are bringing basic healthcare straight to our campuses because healthy learners and healthy teachers are the foundation of a better education system,” he added.
Namoco said 1Life is committed to supporting the education sector by providing preventive care, early screening, continuous healthcare services, and medicines at no cost to DepEd.
The program supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that public schools are equipped with functional clinics and have immediate access to reliable healthcare services.
Under the partnership, participating schools will provide at least 60 square meters of space for the clinic. 1Life will equip the facilities with digital diagnostic tools, basic emergency supplies, and telemedicine equipment.
DepEd said the program will not require school funding, as services will be covered by the PhilHealth YAKAP benefits of enrolled members.
The clinics will offer developmental screenings for young learners to help detect and address health conditions that could affect their academic performance. Teachers and school personnel will also receive free annual executive medical check-ups on campus.
Eligible parents and dependents may likewise access consultations and basic laboratory tests through the program.
To preserve the educational and healthcare purpose of the initiative, 1Life will not be allowed to conduct commercial advertisements or brand promotions inside school premises.
DepEd also said electronic medical records will be protected under strict data privacy protocols. Participation in the program will remain voluntary for members of the school community.