By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod City council urged the City Health Office (CHO) to coordinate with all public and private schools in the city to monitor health, first aid readiness and emergency response plans for students.

“Schools serve as a primary setting where health concerns, injuries and medical emergencies involving students may occur, necessitating proper monitoring, immediate first aid response and clear emergency protocols,” Councilor Em Ang said.

Ang said the city government prioritizes the health, safety and welfare of all learners as classes resume and students return to school.

She said the CHO, by virtue of its mandate under the Local Government Code, is primarily responsible for the delivery of basic health services and emergency medical preparedness within the city.

The councilor, chairperson of the city council committee on health and sanitation, noted that coordination between the CHO and school administrations will ensure standardized health monitoring, trained first responders, and functional emergency response systems across all school campuses.

Ang said CHO should establish a system for regular health surveillance and reporting of common illnesses, injuries and other health conditions affecting students.

This shall include coordination of immunization records, nutrition status checks and mental health awareness.

CHO should also assess and assist schools in ensuring the availability of functional first aid kits, trained first aid responders among teaching and non-teaching personnel, and designated clinic/infirmary areas compliant with Department of Education standards.

The city council also tasked the CHO to submit a quarterly report, through the committee on health and sanitation, on the status of compliance, issues encountered, and assistance provided to schools.

Ang said that all schools, barangay health stations, and concerned city departments are enjoined to extend full cooperation to the CHO./MAP, WDJ