By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Medical and Nurses Staff of CPU Medical Clinic.

The CPU Medical Clinic (reception center for inquiry and support on Covid-19), and members of the team are champions in responding to emergency needs of employees and students during the pandemic. Faced by challenges, these healthcare professionals do their best not only in fighting the disease – preventing it by medical protocols and services response to their patients. This also includes kindness and understanding at the other end of the line. Thanks to the effective Facebook Messenger communication response.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the challenge at the CPU Medical Clinic center. The clinic reception team chose to be the solution to the problem. It goes without saying that they too as Centralians, have maintained and sustained quality service during the pandemic. They are Doctors and Nurses with purple hearts and an enduring Central Spirit.

There are four Doctors and four Nurses on duty. They are Dr. Ma. Carmen S. Salcedo, MD, FPPS, Dr. Anabel Joy P. Sajo, MD, DPPS, Dr. Epifania A. Jinon, MD, FPAFP and Dr. Euniel A. Solinap, MD, FPPS; with Nurses Eires P. Azzuz, RN, Helen P. Alegrado,RN, Lita Q. Gajitos, RN and Maria Crescille M. Marigon, RN. Vergie Lyn L. Bertuso is the Secretary. They also provide an extra support to follow-up the Covid vaccination status of employees and students.

The following are objectives of the CPU Medical Clinic: 1)To deliver quality and efficient medical services by well-trained and competent medical and nursing staff 2) To promote health, prevent diseases and limit disabilities of students and CPU personnel.

The team’s role in Covid-19 Protocol includes examining most recent guidelines from LGU/National IATF, DOH, CDC, WHO and applies these in the context of CPU as an institution or community; recommend COVID Protocol amendments and addendum to existing COVID protocols regularly; facilitates implementation of COVID Protocols; issues RTW clearance; prepares health reports and participates in the evaluation of Health Protocols among others.

They have difficulties though, involving daily incidence and management. They are required speedy monitoring of Daily Health Monitoring Form and timely isolation of COVID suspects/contacts before they circulate in the campus and infect others. They have to manage fast contact tracing especially during the COVID surges and validate medical history or COVID exposure history of patients who are hesitant to disclose or untruthful of their medical history. They also deal with demanding patients, and unrealistic expectations of medical services by patients. Dealing with patients who are extremely stressed out; handling sarcasm, ridicule, insults are part of their experiences while in the performance of their duties. They work even if they are sick of Covid-19; they make themselves available 24/7 online for medical queries or teleconsults (even beyond clinic hours and holidays).

Central Philippine University maintains full support on the clinic, and in sustaining Health and Safety Programs.