The 'School Nurse' initiative introduced in Gandaki province last year has been extended into the current year. As per the Ministry of Social Development and Health in the province, this program is currently operational in 18 schools spread across 11 districts.
The 'School Nurse' initiative was launched with the aim of enhancing students' health by offering services like primary healthcare, hygiene, nutrition, menstruation, and reproductive health support within the school setting. Dr. Binod Bindu Sharma, the Secretary of the Ministry, noted that this program has successfully instilled positive changes in the behaviors and lifestyles of the children.
"The school nurse program has demonstrated its effectiveness within a brief period and has additionally contributed to the advancement of health education," he remarked. He added, "Children have acquired fundamental health knowledge and undergone behavioral changes through their school experiences."
Secretary Dr. Sharma mentioned that a proposal has been forwarded to the Chief Minister's and Council of Ministers' offices to extend the program to additional schools. He emphasized, "Although resource constraints prevent us from implementing it simultaneously in numerous schools, we remain committed to expanding the program, in line with government policies, budgets, and initiatives."
Sajan Baral, a pharmacy officer at the ministry, explained that the program was implemented by choosing schools with a substantial student population. He noted that the "School Nurse" initiative is currently underway in schools such as Jan Adarsh in Mustang, Prakash Jyoti in Manang, Janapriya in Myagdi, Pashupati in Parbat, Nepal Mavi, and Janjagruti Mavi in Baglung.
Likewise, the program is currently active in Poornamrit Bhavani in Syangja, Tri-Sahid Sample in Syangja, Shahid Smriti Residential in Kaski, Bharti Bhawan in Kaski, Ramshah in Tanahun, Shringa in Tanahun, Bageshwari in Lamjung, Ishaneshwar in Lamjung, Jeevanjyoti in Gorkha, Chaturmala in Gorkha, Bhanudaya Sample in Nawalpur, and Bhimsen Adarsh Mavi in Nawalpur.
Officer Baral pointed out that the program has been introduced in a single school in Mustang, Manang, Myagdi, and Parbat, while two schools have been included from other districts. He noted, "The program commenced in Magh last year and has been consistently extended to all 11 districts within the province this year as well."
The 'School Nurse' program received budgetary allocation from the Ministry. Umanath Adhikari, the principal of Nepal Mavi in Tarakhola Rural Municipality-4 of Baglung, mentioned that the program encompasses regular health check-ups and health education initiatives for students.
"Particularly for girls, this program has proven to be advantageous, as it has heightened awareness regarding reproductive health, especially during menstruation. Additionally, it offers primary healthcare support to students who are injured or unwell at school," he explained, emphasizing the program's positive impact.
As per the school principal, a dedicated room has been set up within the school premises for nursing services. The Ministry has appointed fifth-level staff nurses on six-month contracts for these schools, with their salaries directly deposited into their accounts. Jeewana Sharma, a staff nurse affiliated with Nepal Medical College, mentioned that she educates students on adopting healthy living habits and behaviors.
"Even during periods when other subject classes are not in session, we have been imparting knowledge to students regarding health safety and care. Students are becoming increasingly conscious of matters like personal hygiene, enhancing nutrition, and understanding reproductive health," she explained. "We also provide guidance to adolescents regarding menstrual hygiene and its management."
Nurse Sharma stated that although they provide initial first aid at the school, students requiring antibiotics will be referred to healthcare facilities. She clarified, "We are unable to administer injections or prescribe antibiotics; therefore, if students exhibit such symptoms, we direct them to the nearest health institution."
