Parents Association Raises Red Flag on Unqualified Nurses in Schools
Silas Obuhatsa, Chairman of the National Parents Association, has raised concerns about the safety of students in schools due to the alleged hiring of unqualified nurses by school administrations.
In an interview with Vuuka Fm, Obuhatsa expressed his urgent call for the government to take action by forming a task force to investigate the qualifications of all non-teaching staff in schools to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
Obuhatsa’s concerns stem from recent incidents at The Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls in Kakamega County, where two students died from hygiene-related diseases, and hundreds were admitted to hospital just moments before the school was closed indefinitely.
The government attributed the disease outbreak to water contamination. Similarly, within a week, Butere Boys High School in the same county was closed due to a disease outbreak, which is currently under investigation after students reported severe stomach aches and diarrhoea.
Obuhatsa believes that these incidents reflect poor sanitation in schools and emphasizes the need for stakeholders to develop strategies to prevent future tragedies.
He has proposed the establishment of a clinic in each school where students can receive First Aid and other services promptly to prevent further harm.
“They should also be in a position to inspect the food bought by schools, taste them before the students are allowed to partake of the meals,"he said.
He further emphasizes that these clinics should be staffed with trained nurses who can inspect the food purchased by schools, taste the meals before they are served to students, and vet the cooks to ensure they are qualified and competent.
Obuhatsa also criticizes the Ministry of Education’s quality and assurance officers for failing to conduct follow-ups and ensure that schools adhere to the safety and hygiene standards set by the Ministry.
He warns school administrators against sending students home without informing their parents or neglecting to notify parents when a student falls ill.
Parents Association Raises Red Flag on Unqualified Nurses in Schools
