Student Death: Develop case management protocols for sick students

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Student Death: Develop case management protocols for sick students

Eduwatch Africa, a non-governmental organization focusing on education, has called on the (GES) to collaborate with the (GHS) in developing a case management protocol for sick students in secondary schools. The organization emphasized that the implementation of such protocols should be integrated into the indicators for supervision by school improvement and support officers, as well as the key performance indicators of school heads. This, they argue, will help address health emergencies and prevent untoward situations in schools.

The call comes in the wake of the tragic death of Stacey Okyere, a first-year student at Senior High School, who passed away after a brief illness. According to reports, Stacey was unwell but was not allowed to leave school for treatment until her parents arrived to take her to the hospital. Unfortunately, she died upon arrival at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Eduwatch Africa, expressed concern over the incident and urged Parent Associations and Old Students to take an active interest in the state and functioning of health facilities in schools. He stressed the importance of ensuring that sick bays are equipped with necessary drugs, competent personnel, and basic facilities operating under the to prevent similar tragedies.

Highlighting previous incidents of student deaths in secondary schools due to delays in seeking medical care, Mr. Asare urged meaningful reforms in the health management systems of Senior High Schools. He emphasized the need to prioritize the delivery of primary healthcare in schools and strengthen referral systems to prevent such occurrences in the future.

In response to the incident, the Management of the extended its condolences to the family of Stacey Okyere and initiated an internal investigation. They also deployed a team of counsellors to provide psychosocial support for students and staff at Senior High School.

Eduwatch Africa's advocacy underscores the importance of collaboration between educational and health authorities to ensure the well-being and safety of students in Ghana's secondary schools.

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