INABIE Brings Health Services to More Than 1,000 Students in Barahona

More than 1,000 students in Barahona are receiving vision, hearing, dental and epidemiological health evaluations in a program running through November 6.

The National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE) is running a health program at the Instituto Tecnológico Federico Henríquez y Carvajal in the Savica sector of Barahona, benefiting more than 1,000 students. The activity will run through Friday, November 6.

The evaluations are part of the institution's efforts to strengthen the well-being of students in the public education system. They include vision screenings, hearing tests (audiometry), oral health services, and epidemiological consultations to identify conditions such as scabies and lice, among other neglected diseases.

INABIE deputy director Melvin Ramírez said that bringing medical services to schools makes it possible to identify conditions that need attention in a timely way and to facilitate access to specialized evaluations. "Our commitment is to keep strengthening school health," he said.

For vision care, students who need corrective lenses will be identified and will receive them about a month after the program. For hearing care, those who need hearing aids will receive them after the corresponding evaluations. Dental services include cleanings, fluoride application, sealants, resin fillings and removal of temporary teeth. Depending on the conditions detected, the delivery of medication is also contemplated.

The program also includes students from the Leonor Feltz Early School and the Barahona Model Early Education Center. Ana Espinosa, grandmother of three students receiving services, called the initiative a great help for families, while Deysi Alejandrina Mesa, director of the host school, highlighted the opportunity for students to receive specialized care.

As part of the protocol, students who show conditions requiring specialized evaluation will receive guidance to schedule an appointment through the Sisbie platform.