By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
₹48.87 crore annual outlay proposed; trained health workers to provide immediate care to students
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has proposed setting up dedicated first-aid medical facilities in all 1,086 government schools under the Directorate of Education, aiming to ensure timely medical assistance and a safer, more supportive environment for students.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said the initiative would provide immediate first-aid and basic care to students during school hours, helping address minor injuries, sudden illnesses, dizziness, fatigue and other temporary health concerns.
Under the proposal, schools will have designated medical rooms where students can receive basic first aid, including wound dressing, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and temporary rest under trained supervision. The facilities will not offer diagnostic services or provide prescription medicines.
Trained Health Workers in Every School
A trained health worker, such as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) or a multipurpose health worker, will be engaged in each school to address immediate health needs and provide support related to adolescent health.
The proposed facilities will also offer girl students a safe and private space to manage menstrual health needs during school hours.
The government said students spend a substantial part of their day at school, making access to immediate care important. In schools without designated medical spaces or basic facilities, even minor health incidents can lead to delays in assistance and anxiety among students, teachers and parents.
The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and seeks to make government schools safer, more inclusive and more supportive of students’ well-being.
Phased Implementation Planned
The proposal carries an estimated annual financial implication of ₹48.87 crore for covering all 1,086 schools. Implementation will take place in phases, beginning with schools that already have separate rooms for medical facilities. Schools requiring alternative spaces or portable cabin arrangements will be covered subsequently.
Highlighting the objective of the initiative, Education Minister Ashish Sood said every child in a government school deserved 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,” he said.
The proposed scheme is intended to strengthen basic student welfare by ensuring that trained personnel and essential first-aid support are available within school premises.
