Some 100 beneficiaries, including West Visayas State University (WVSU) students, employees, and their dependents, availed themselves of free health services during a joint medical-dental mission conducted by the College of Medicine (COM), College of Dentistry (COD), and University Medical Center (UMC) on Jan. 28.

The mission, held as part of the 2025 University Days celebration, offered essential health screenings and consultations. Among the services provided were 100 fasting blood sugar (FBS) tests, 50 Pap smear exams, 50 eye checkups, and 80 dental checkups. Limited hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening was also conducted for healthcare workers and students from COM, the College of Nursing (CON), and COD.

The FBS and HbsAg screenings were conducted at the University Clinic, while the pap smear was performed at the COM clinical skills laboratory. On the other hand, the eye checkup was conducted at the Annex COM Building, and the dental checkup was held at the COD diagnostics room.

Mark Louie Jutay, an employee from the Office of the University Research Generating Project (URGP), expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive much-needed health services.

“Programs like this are a big help to us employees. I rarely have the time or financial means to visit a dentist or get health checkups, so having this opportunity right here on campus is a huge relief,” Jutay said.

Dr. Celina C. Gellada, WVSU vice president for medical and allied sciences, emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare on campus.

“This mission demonstrates our collective commitment to the health and wellness of the WVSU community,” Gellada said.

Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover, COD dean, underscored the need to raise awareness about oral health through initiatives like the dental mission.

“This provides stakeholders with a chance to learn simple yet essential steps for dental care, contributing to better overall health and well-being,” Jover said.

Themed “Digamo sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Growth and Meaningful Opportunities,” the 2025 University Days celebration runs from Jan. 27 to 31.

Story by Franco Nodado/Vital Signs Publication, and Shaila Veronica Paris/Pagyuhum Publication

Photos by Franco Nodado/Vital Signs Publication, Shaila Veronica Paris and Aveghaile Jahzeiah Nabat/Pagyuhum Publication