The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) has launched the "Doctors to the Barracks" program in a move to ensure the health-related welfare of its cadets.
The program was launched during the visit of Police Col. Jezebel Medina, acting director of the PNP Health Service.
PNPA director Police Brig. Gen. Eric Noble said the program serves as preventive, curative and promotive health care program that will address the holistic well-being of the cadets.
"We are also doing several initiatives to bring health and medical attention closer to the cadets that includes the deployment of Cadet Medical Officer of the Day (CAMOD), that will serve as the active link between the Cadet Corps and the PNP Health Service," said Noble.
Noble explained that this will be different from the Cadet on Duty because the CAMOD focuses on health concerns and shall have full access to the PNPA ambulance for active 24/7 monitoring.
He said other initiatives include conduct of psychological / mental health first-aid training for staff and cadets, PNP Health Service led quarterly medical outreach composed of specialists that will look into the special health concerns of the cadets and the 4) all-out campaign to fully equip the PNPA Dispensary through the submission of requests for needed medical personnel, equipment and supplies.
Medina, for her part, said "Doctors to the Barracks: Malasakit sa Kalusugan ng Kadete" Program is implemented under the PNP Health Service’s "Enhanced Monitoring of Police Overall wellness" (EMPOw), "Kalinga ni Ina sa Kadete," and other police wellness initiatives.
"This is inline the Chief PNP's priorities of providing medical services directly to our cadets rather than waiting for them to visit the medical dispensary," said Medina.
During the launch, Medina turned over medical equipment such as a Hospital-On-A-Bike unit, an ECG machine, a wheelchair, personal protective equipment (PPE), face masks, medicines, and other supplies. Dr Medina also gave out Emergency Medical Kits to each of the eight (8) companies of the cadet corps, which to her exemplifies ‘Kalinga ng Ina sa Kadete.’
Noble expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the PNP Health Service for their unwavering support to the PNPA.
"Cadets must be in a state of optimum health that enables them to complete their academics and other requirements. They need to be in their best shape to fully take advantage of the learning opportunities in the Academy," said Noble.