History

Medical Section
The PLM-University Health Services under the direct supervision of the Vice-President for Administration is in charge of providing health services and emergency treatment for all university constituents.

The medical clinic was put up on July 17, 1967 manned by part-time physicians who were also faculty members. The clinic staff then were Dr. Thor Alcyone Reyes, and other physicians who gave medical services during its first few years.

In 1972, Dr. Reyes resigned. Dr. Olga Sangalang-Vinoya, an obstetrician, was hired as a part-time physician in March, 1976. Together with Dr. Fernandez, who worked in the afternoons, they attended to the health needs of the university. Dr. Luzviminda Ariosa became the clinic physician from 1978 up to 1982.

Dr. Ruby F. Antonio, a part-time physician in 1984 became the Officer-in-Charge of the unit and later Chief of the UHS until her retirement in 2005. Dr. Adora M. Abat, became Officer-in-Charge until 2007 when operations in the UHS were handed over to the College of Medicine, specifically under the supervision of the Director of the Count-Me-In Program (CMIP). This program provided opportunities for doctors to render return service for 6 months in various areas of health care service delivery in the university. This program was discontinued around 2008. Dr. Maria Ana B. Mariano, a faculty at the College of Medicine became head of the unit since 2009.

Dental Section
In August, 1967, a plantilla for the University Dentist was created with Dr. Virgencita P. Alvarez as dentist. She became Officer-in-Charge of the dental section from 1978 to 1984. By 1992 she retired from the government service and was replaced by Dr. Editha S. Peña in January, 1993 until the present time.
In 2003, Ms. Ambrocia C. Bajar, a casual utility worker replacing Mr. Benito Jose who retired was trained as a dental aide for five years. She assists the dentist in maintaining cleanliness and order in the work area.

Nursing Staff
The first clinic nurse, Mrs. Leona B. Sagalla, was hired on September 16, 1975. Another was Mrs. Julie Ann M. Quizon who started her service in 1980 replacing Miss Melba Convalecer. After Mrs. Quizon's resignation, Mrs. Jerlyn P. Castillo was hired in 1988 and remains to be Nurse IV up to the present time. The lone office clerk Ms. Elsa Pabilane was hired in 1988 and was later transferred to Physical and Development Services andSpecial Projects Office (PDSPO) within the same year.

Other nurses are Mrs. Elvira P. Calderon, hired in 1989 as nursing attendant. Mrs. Ruby Ann H. Dador, was hired in 1993 and holds the position of Nurse III.

Clinic Facilities
A radiographic machine was donated by the Manila Lion's Club in 1981 through the former dean of the College of Business Administration Mr. Arnulfo Pagarigan. Due to wear and tear and the lack of health
manpower, it was put into disuse.

At present, nearby diagnostic clinics tie up with the UHS to provide lab examinations like blood chemistries, complete blood count, chest-x-rays, urinalysis, fecalysis and drug tests at discounted prices.

With the growing population size, the unit continues to coordinate with the College of Medicine, for health seminars and free clinics like, digital rectal examinations, Pap smear, breast examination, and screening for cholesterol, etc.

Vision
A healthy PLM community.

Mission
To maintain a healthy employee and student population.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The University Health Services is composed of the following staff personnel;

Medical Section
Physicians
Medical Officer V, Chief: Maria Ana B. Mariano, MD
Medical Officer IV, Physician: Mikhael Angelo V. Luna, MD

Nurses
Nurse IV: Mrs. Jerlyn P. Castillo, RN
Nurse III: Mrs. Ruby Ann H. Dador, RN
Nursing Attendant II: Mrs. Elvira P. Calderon

Dental Section
Dentist
Dental Officer V: Editha S. Peña, DMD
Dental Aide: Miss Ambrocia C. Bajar

Functions
The general functions of the University Health Services are:

Medical Section
1. Perform physical examination on incoming freshmen and evaluate their health status including chest x-rays and complete blood counts.
2. Perform physical examination of new employees and evaluate their fitness to work including chest xray, complete blood count, urinalysis and drug test.
3. Attend to emergencies using available medications or conduct them to nearby hospitals for further
evaluation and management.
4. Assess the fitness of sick students and employees to study or work; otherwise, provide them with sick leave forms should they be advised to be absent from work/school.
5. Provide information on health matters through seminars, infomercials, and IEC materials.
6. Coordinate with other units in promoting health through annual immunization programs, annual physical examinations, and screening for diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension and tuberculosis.

Dental Section
1. Perform dental examinations for incoming freshmen and new employees.
2. Perform dental procedures like tooth extraction, filling of carious spaces, fitting of dentures, and oral prophylaxis.
3. Promote dental health through information dissemination using IEC materials.

REGULAR PROGRAMS
Immunization Program
Immunization is a mainstay of health promotion since it eradicates diseases and provides herd immunity to a healthy population who are at risk. Apart from screening prior to vaccination, seminars on the efficacy of vaccines and prevention of diseases are held, in partnership with pharmaceutical companies.

In 2010, with the approval of the budget, Hepatitis B and influenza vaccines were given to employees
for the first time. Screening has identified individuals infected with Hepatitis B and were referred to specialists for further management. As of 2012, less than 50% availed of the annual influenza vaccine. Cervical vaccine was introduced in 2010, however, due to its prohibitive cost, it was shouldered personally by a handful of women.

The University Health Services is embarking on increasing awareness on the importance of vaccination
among the students particularly against measles, German measles, mumps, cervical cancer, tyhpoid fever, meningococcemia, influenza, Hepatitis A and B and chicken pox by requiring them to have their booster shots during the summer months.

PLM TB DOTS Program
This program started in 2006 where freshman students diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis were allowed to enroll and compliance of the treatment prescribed were regularly monitored. Most of these were freshmen diagnosed with tuberculosis based on chest x-rays. Combination drugs were prescribed
to facilitate drug intake. However, financial constraints, a long 6-month treatment regimen, and the inherent lack of motivation to visit the clinic regularly were factors affecting poor compliance.

In March 2012, coordinators from the Manila Health Department facilitated early case findings using sputum AFB smears. Qualified freshmen once diagnosed by chest x-rays are asked to have their sputum AFB smears done at the nearest health center were they reside. Then an interview and referral to a TB Diagnostic Committee (composed of pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, public health officers and nurses who make assessments and recommendations) follows. Free medicines are given for new cases for the duration of the entire treatment period of 6 months and together with a treatment partner at home, compliance is being checked regularly at the health center and the UHS Clinic.

Clinic hours:
Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm
Saturday: 8am-5pm
Sunday: As the need arises and subject to physician availability

Policies and procedures:
University Health Services' Orientation for Scholars - Download