The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday provided medical equipment and services to 83 schools nationwide for this year's Brigada Eskwela.

The schools received “Bawat Bata Malusog” packages containing items such as blood pressure monitors, scales, first aid kits, and other supplies for their respective school clinics.

There is also a package containing teacher’s self-care kits and exercise and sports kits for the so-called Last Mile Schools.

The DOH will also distribute additional disaster readiness kits, in preparation for any disaster.

Jamorawon National High School, San Juan Integrated School, Rinconada National Technical Vocational School and Fulgueras Elementary School were the first schools to receive the “Bawat Bata Mahalaga” kits during the opening of Brigada Eskwela at Bacacay East Central School in Bacacay, Albay on Monday.

The DOH likewise provided health services such as free consultations, vaccinations, X-rays and laboratory, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, mental health services, family planning, and deworming for children.

The agency also offered cancer education and health literacy on nutrition and physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance use prevention, sexual and reproductive health, as well as violence and injury prevention.

"Our health support in our schools is also our way of shaping a healthier new generation," DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

"It is important that not only the school building is prepared, but also the health of the teachers and school personnel who manage the school where the youth reside," Herbosa added.

Since the launch of the DOH's Healthy Learning Institutions program in 2022, it has reached 1,457 schools in 55 provinces and cities nationwide.

The program aims to support schools in creating an environment that promotes the health of students and teachers.

This is in line with the Universal Health Care Law, which recognizes schools as important places to promote the health of youth and employees.