The UP Health Service (UPHS) turned 95 this September, and during its anniversary week, the UPHS introduced to the public several of its new services.
Launched at a program held on Sept. 9 at the UPHS lobby were: partnership with the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod (Pahinungod) for student counseling, expanded mental health services, and a new radio program.
The Pahinungod partnership involves psychosocial support volunteers from Pahinungod offering services at the UPHS daily for about eight hours. The service is open primarily for UPD students but is also available for other members of the UPD community.
According to UPHS Director Myrissa Melinda L. Alip, the psychosocial support service can act as a temporary relief measure, where a patient may be able to get well on his own or in more severe cases, can wait for formal treatment.
“Kasi minsan hindi mo naman kailangan agad ng gamut. Sa mga estudyante nating kailangan ng parang panawid uhaw habang nag-aantay ng Psycserv, [kung saan] mahaba din ang pila doon ng ating mga psychiatrist, meron silang makakausap diyan [na] expert pahinungod counselors,” she said.
In addition, Alip said the UPHS has two new consultants: Jose Reynaldo J. Lesaca Jr., MD, a psychiatrist, and Girlmar Leones, MD, a pediatrician who specializes in autism. Alip added that Lesaca is offering limited but free psychiatric services to the UPD community.
The UPHS will host a new weekly radio program at DZUP 1602 starting Oct. 15, TSEK UP: TALAKAYAN SA EDUKASYONG pangKALUSUGAN sa UP (TSEK UP). TSEK UP is a weekly radio program that will feature public health lectures, as well as the latest UPHS services.
The UPHS also announced at the anniversary program that after being closed due to the UPHS renovation, its various specialty clinics such as dermatology and gynecology, are now officially open.
Present at the program were UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roehl L. Jamon, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerwin F. Agpaoa, Alip, and UPHS Deputy Director Oliva Salvador-Basuel, MD as well as medical consultants and UPHS staff.
It was also the first time the UPHS Hymn-composed by Basuel with lyrics by Alip, was performed. Alip thanked retired UPD professors Ruby Alcantara and Augusto Espino for their valuable input in the refinement of the UPHS Hymn.
The program was the start of a series of activities aimed at public service and health education. Lined-up activities for the UPHS anniversary week include free laboratory tests, a blood-letting drive with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and free public lectures on practical nutrition for diabetics, erectile dysfunction, antibiotic resistance, and oral health. The UPHS 95th anniversary celebration will be capped off with an afternoon awarding night and culminating activity on Sept. 13.