The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman University Health Service (UHS) began its 95th anniversary celebration on Monday, September 9, with the introduction of several new programs aimed at enhancing healthcare services for the UP Diliman community.
The weeklong festivities opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key University officials, including UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, Vice Chancellors Roehl Jamon and Jerwin Agpaoa, and UHS Director Myrrisa Alip.
New initiatives were announced, including the addition of more psychiatrists to support student mental health, a dedicated clinic for student-athletes, a free clinic for diabetes patients, and a new radio program on UP Diliman’s DZUP.
Alip explained that the UHS’ psychosocial support service can provide temporary relief for patients who may improve on their own or, in more severe cases, need to wait for formal treatment.
“Kasi minsan hindi mo naman kailangan agad ng gamot. Sa mga estudyante nating kailangan ng parang panawid uhaw habang nag-aantay ng tulong ng [UP Diliman Psychosocial Services]… meron siláng makakausap dito [na] expert Pahinungod counselors,” she said.
(Sometimes, immediate medication is not necessary. For our students who need interim support while waiting for help from UP Diliman Psychosocial Services, they have access to expert Pahinungod counselors who can listen and offer guidance here at the UHS.)
Alip expressed her gratitude to both past and present UP Diliman administrations for their ongoing support of UHS programs. The event also featured the debut of the newest UHS Hymn, composed by Alip herself.
Meanwhile, DZUP Station Manager Ivy Claudio highlighted the significance of the inter-unit collaboration in providing accurate health-related information.
“The goal of the UHS program is to reach more members of the UP community, especially now that health-related information is crucial. DZUP wants to ensure that we contribute to the University and UHS’ mission of promoting health and wellness,” Claudio said.
The new DZUP radio program titled TSEK UP will air starting October 15.
Throughout the week, UHS hosted various health-focused activities to promote wellness and provide free healthcare services to the UP Dilimancommunity.
On Tuesday, September 10, the celebration continued with free laboratory tests for blood glucose, cholesterol, and uric acid, followed by a lecture on the importance of lab tests. Participants also received free eggs and bananas.
Wednesday featured a bloodletting drive in partnership with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, UP College of Medicine Foundation, and the UP Diliman University Student Council.
On Thursday, UHS organized public lectures on diabetes and hypertension management, as well as a session on antibiotics awareness.
The week concluded with an oral health lecture and the distribution of dental kits to attendees.