New rules to ensure schools swiftly press panic button

LIFE-SAVING GUIDELINES - Govt asks schools to set up emergency medical services; step comes after HC order related to collegian's death

- Vikrant Jha

The Maharashtra government has issued elaborate guidelines for schools to set up emergency medical services on their premises. The directive also makes it compulsory for schools to organise programmes for students' mental health apart from appointing counsellors. The decision has been taken considering that students spend a significant part of their day at school, where unforeseen medical situations may arise. The directive has been issued in response to a Bombay High Court order in July, aiming to ensure that students receive immediate medical attention in case of accidents or health emergencies. The HC's order stemmed from a tragic incident in 2016, when a Kandivali college student succumbed to injuries sustained due to a fall in the classroom.