Heath Beyond Bar (HBB) program of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) now covers 30 jails in Region 3 (26 jails) and Region 4A (4 jails) contributing to improved delivery of healthcare to inmates.

BPSU President Dr. Ruby S. Matibag founded HBB at Bataan District Jail in May 2014. She initially conducted research inside Bataan District Jail where the University had a memorandum of agreement. A result of her research showed the need to make health services more accessible to inmates, which she presented to Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) higher ups.

She said HBB, a long term research-based extension program, aims to improve health condition and situation inside jail through provision of health services and health education. Through the program, clinics were established inside jails; various vaccines provided; and other health services delivered to inmates. She said the program catered to even more inmates during the pandemic. Once a month, health webinar is being conducted for inmates.

Matibag said Bataan 2nd District Cong. Abet Garcia is very supportive to the program. When he was the governor,

Garcia even sent her to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea to study the health services given to inmates. She disclosed Garcia wants to build a hospital inside Bataan District Jail.

Under the HBB program, College Education Behind Bar was piloted in Marilao Municipal Jail with 15 inmates studying BS Midwifery. BPSU professors teach them online and once in a while face to face including Matibag herself as part of their extension activity mandate from the university. Student-inmates provided free uniforms, school supplies, regular meals, and snacks. She announced College Education Behind Bar will also be established in Bataan District Jail next school year.

The post BPSU rolls out Health Beyond Bar program in Regions 3, 4A appeared first on 1Bataan.