New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- The Delhi government has proposed setting up dedicated first-aid medical facilities in all 1,086 government schools at an estimated annual cost of Rs 48.87 crore, with trained health workers to provide immediate care to students during school hours. The initiative will be implemented in phases, with priority given to schools that already have separate rooms for the facilities.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said the proposal aims to ensure that students have access to basic medical assistance on campus, particularly in cases of minor injuries, sudden illness, dizziness and other health-related discomfort.
"Every child in our government schools deserves a safe and caring environment. When a student falls sick or gets hurt during school hours, parents and teachers should have peace of mind knowing that immediate first-aid and proper care are readily available right inside the school campus," Sood said.
Under the proposal, the medical facilities will provide basic first aid, including wound dressing, administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and temporary rest under trained supervision. Each school will have one trained health worker, such as an auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) or a multipurpose health worker, to address immediate health needs and provide support related to adolescent health.
The facilities will also offer girl students a safe and private space to address menstrual health needs during school hours.
However, the school medical rooms will not provide diagnostic services or prescription medicines. Their role will be limited to basic first response and immediate care, according to the proposal.
The government said the initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises creating safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
The rollout will take place in phases. Schools with existing separate rooms will be covered first, followed by schools where alternative rooms can be used. Porta cabins will be considered for schools where suitable rooms are unavailable.
The estimated annual financial implication of Rs.48.87 crore covers the proposed facilities across all 1,086 government schools under the Directorate of Education. The initiative is intended to address the absence of designated spaces for immediate medical assistance in many government schools, where students spend a significant part of their day.
The proposal seeks to reduce delays in providing basic care and ensure that students can receive assistance on campus when minor health issues arise.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.