Over 150 employees and students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) received free tuberculosis (TB) screenings and chest X-rays yesterday, June 25, at the CatSU Main Lobby.The half-day event was organized by the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with HealthHub, the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), the Rural Health Unit of Virac, the Provincial Health Office, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Culion Foundation, and Catanduanes State University Medical and Dental Services.The mobile X-ray services, part of the Active Case Finding (ACF) for tuberculosis program, aim to raise awareness, provide interventions, and enable early detection of TB and other respiratory diseases.Medical Officer III Dr. Abegail M. Abundo emphasized the importance of health for productivity at the university. “We firmly believe that prioritizing our health is paramount to ensuring productivity. Moreover, early detection and preventive measures are instrumental in mitigating the risk of lifestyle diseases,” said Dr. Abundo.
In the quest to improve the health services for the CatSU community, the first ever Infirmary was launched on May 31, 2024, through a simple blessing ceremony witnessed by members of the medical and dental team of the university, along with other university officials, led by no less than the president, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza.Located inside the Health Sciences Complex, the Infirmary is primarily designed to serve the CatSU community – students and employees. It has an Emergency Room, birthing facility, medical and dental services, nurses' station, patient ward, and recovery rooms.It now serves as the new office for the university’s Medical and Dental Services. A parking space is also available for the Patient Transport Vehicle (ambulance) to better serve the CatSU community.We are also excited to announce the approval by the Board of Regents to purchase a mobile clinic that will complement the newly-opened CatSU Infirmary.