Keeping learners healthy is one of the Department of Education’s top priorities. But did you know that the School Health Examination Card is not just a form—it's a vital part of a child's educational journey?
Let’s explore a fresh perspective on this essential health tool: not just what it contains, but why every parent, teacher, and health professional should treat it with the same importance as a report card.
🧠💡 Why the School Health Examination Card Matters Beyond Just Check-Ups
In Philippine public schools, the School Health Examination Card (SHD Form 1) is often viewed as routine paperwork. But in reality, it serves as a critical link between education and health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), school health programs can significantly boost learning outcomes by identifying and addressing issues early.
The card doesn’t only collect data—it tells a story:
A child with poor nutrition, undiagnosed vision problems, or untreated dental issues may fall behind in class not because of lack of ability, but because of unmet health needs. This form is the school’s way of ensuring that no learner is left behind—not just academically, but physically and mentally too.
📝🔍 What’s Inside the SHD Form 1? An In-Depth Overview
The School Health Examination Card is actually a composite form composed of several key sections (SHD Forms 1-A to 1-Db), designed to capture a wide range of medical information across different grade levels.
🧬 SHD Form 1-A: Medical History
This section records conditions such as allergies, asthma, anemia, and family medical history. It even includes questions about exposure to cigarette or vape smoke—an increasingly relevant concern in households today.
📊 SHD Form 1-B: Physical Examination and Nutritional Status
Height, weight, BMI, vision and hearing screening, and even menstruation history (for female learners) are documented here. This data helps schools implement targeted interventions like SBFP (School-Based Feeding Program) and iron supplementation, both of which are anchored in DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2019.
🦷 SHD Forms 1-D to 1-Db: Oral Health Monitoring
From Kinder to Grade 12, this part tracks tooth development, dental health issues, and treatment history. It’s essential because untreated oral health issues can lead to infections, poor eating habits, and speech difficulties—factors that affect academic performance more than most people realize.
🔐📚 Data Privacy: Protecting Your Child's Medical Information
One of the most important updates in the School Health Examination Card is the inclusion of a Data Privacy Notice. Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the DepEd assures parents and guardians that medical information is collected only for legitimate educational and medical purposes, and shared only with authorized agencies under strict privacy protocols.
According to the National Privacy Commission, this ensures that data is handled with care, and learners’ rights are protected from potential misuse.
🛠️📂 How to Properly Use and Submit the SHD Form
Whether you’re a parent, school nurse, or class adviser, here’s how you can help ensure the form is filled out and used correctly:
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Parents should complete all relevant sections honestly—especially when it comes to allergies and family medical history.
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Class advisers must ensure that forms are submitted on time and kept in secure storage.
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Health personnel must update the form after every annual check-up or intervention. This isn't a one-time record; it's a living document.
🌐📥 Where to Download the School Health Examination Card (SHD Form 1)
You can download the most recent version of the SHD Form 1 directly from the official DepEd Commons or through your school’s administrative office. If you're looking for a convenient and printable version, we’ve made it easier for you:
👉 Click here to download the School Health Examination Card (WORD format)
Make sure you print all sections: SHD Form 1, 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D, 1-Da, and 1-Db. Each one corresponds to a specific area of your child’s health profile.
💬👨⚕️ Why This Card Deserves More Recognition
As emphasized by UNESCO in their 2023 report on inclusive education, child health is foundational to achieving full learning potential. When schools use tools like the School Health Examination Card, they're not just monitoring—they're intervening, supporting, and protecting the future of every learner.
So the next time you're asked to fill this out, remember: it's not just a form—it's your child’s silent advocate for well-being in school.