Slew of health measures prepared school year

DT News Network

Manama

Health Minister, Sadiq Al Shehabi said the Ministry is all set for the academic year to ensure a healthy environment for students. The ministry has prepared all preventive and curative health measures that will be implemented throughout the academic year.

He  noted his pleasure over the Health Ministry’s partnership with the Education Ministry officials in implementing health programmes in schools at the beginning of every academic year.

Parents, students and school administrators are given awareness on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, sleep hours, choosing a suitable school bag and maintaining personal hygiene etc.

 The health awareness and educational programmes include training workshops on how to deal with chronic diseases, prevention of infectious diseases,  importance of vaccinations, and implementation of first-aid.

The minister confirmed that at the beginning of each school year, the ministry’s mobile unit of nurses are made up to date with necessary vaccinations.

“The ministry is planning a comprehensive screening test of new students as they enter primary and secondary grades to identify any risk of chronic diseases and to provide necessary treatment. Vaccination campaigns against Hepatitis Type A, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough will be held,” Al Shehabi said. 

Lectures will be held to tackle smoking habits and use of drugs among adolescent children, he said. He also pointed out that Health department would provide psychological screening to diagnose cases of anxiety, hyperactivity, attention disorder, mental disabilities and speech disabilities.

The Health Promotion Department also plans to screen students for any genetic or blood disorders, while the Health Environment Department will provide environmental lectures.

The Social Research Department implemented a number of lectures and workshops for children to overcome anxiety and gain positive thinking for exams.