Free health services for students and teachers have just launched in public schools across the Philippines—and this is something I’m excited about. On June 18, 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd), together with the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, and local governments, kicked off the CLASS+ program. This effort makes basic medical care easy to access for both learners and educators.

I want to share why this matters, what services are included, and how it improves school life. Let’s dive in!

What Is the CLASS+ Program?

DepEd health program or CLASS+ (Clinics for Learners’ Access to School‑health Services Plus) is a new initiative. It means school clinics will now offer key health services under the PhilHealth Konsulta Package during the school opening week and all year long. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara highlighted how DepEd, DOH, PhilHealth, and local governments are joining forces to uplift school health.

School Clinics as Health Access Points

Before this, many school clinics had little services and few medicines. Now, with CLASS+, they act as health access points. This means you can get essential medical help right at your school clinic. No need to travel far or wait in long lines.

What Services Are Available?

CLASS+ brings a range of health services directly to public schools:

• General health consultations
  Nurses or doctors in school clinics help with common illnesses, coughs, colds, and checkups.
• Diagnostics and basic lab tests
  Clinics can do lab tests like rapid malaria checks, dengue tests, urine or stool exams, and more.
• Free essential medicines
  Common remedies such as paracetamol, antibiotics, or deworming medicine are now provided for free.
• Health counseling
  Guidance on healthy habits, diet, exercise, and mental health support are part of the services.
• Referral to hospitals or Konsulta providers
  If a student or teacher needs more care, they can be referred to partner hospitals or health professionals.

All these fall under the PhilHealth Konsulta package, which helps cover outpatient services and consultations.

Learners’ Health Assessment & Screening (LHAS)

DepEd is also rolling out the Learners’ Health Assessment and Screening (LHAS) under Oplan Kalusugan this 2025. LHAS serves every Filipino public school student from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and offers:

1. General checkups – Includes blood pressure, weight, and height measurements.
2. Nutritional assessment – Finds out if a learner is underweight, overweight, or has nutrition-related issues.
3. Oral health checks – Basic dental exams are done to detect cavities or gum problems.
4. Mental health screening – A sensitive check to spot anxiety, depression, or other emotional concerns.

This screening happens regularly to detect health challenges early—so students get help before problems affect their learning.

Why This Matters

Early Detection = Better Learning

When health issues like poor vision, malnutrition, or emotional distress go untreated, learning suffers. LHAS helps catching these problems early. Students can get help before falling behind.

Less Time Away from School

Students and teachers won’t need to miss classes for small health issues. School clinics can handle them right away. This keeps everyone present and focused.

Stress Relief for Families

The DepEd noted moving smiles on students’ faces after vision tests. Imagine a parent’s relief when their child is healthy and can do better in school. That’s real change.

Better Support for Teachers

Teachers are also learners, in a sense. CLASS+ provides free care for common illnesses too. A healthier teacher can teach better.

How the Program Works on the Ground

1. School clinics stocked before opening day
   Clinics receive essential medicines, testing kits, and staffing ahead of time.
2. Health teams arrive during school opening
   Nurses, doctors, or barangay health workers team up with school staff that week and beyond.
3. LHAS screenings begin
   They start before or after classes, usually during the first few weeks of the school year.
4. Counseling and follow-up care
   School counselors or health workers offer advice. If needed, they refer students or teachers to external facilities.
5. Continual service throughout the year
   These services are not just for opening week—they continue all year in public schools.

Personal Touch: A Real-Life Story

Last year, I helped out at a small school during their health day. A Grade 5 student kept rubbing his eyes in class. A quick vision test in the clinic showed he needed glasses. He received free glasses the same day.

His mother said: “Salamat po! Ngayon makikita na niya ang board.” The student’s improved vision made a big difference right away. Just one example of how good health services can boost learning.

What This Means for Communities

• Teachers and parents work together – This builds trust in schools.
• Better focus on teaching and learning – Healthy kids and teachers stay engaged.
• Financial relief – Families save money on doctor visits and medicine.
• Healthier communities – School clinics help reduce the spread of illness, from colds to dengue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Starting on June 18, 2025, free health services for students and teachers are now part of public school life. The CLASS+ program makes clinics real access points. And with LHAS under Oplan Kalusugan, schools now pay close attention to each child’s health.

As a parent, teacher, or student, you can feel relief and hope. Healthy bodies and minds focus better. Let’s support this program and champion the health of every Filipino learner and educator!