Schools under the microscope

by Carol Aloysius

Over 1,200 Public Health Inspectors are currently inspecting schools islandwide to ensure they are safe and environment friendly for the four million school-going population.

Vice Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors Union of Sri Lanka C.S. Muthugoda told the Sunday Observer. “We usually do an all-round inspection in January when the first school term begins and inspect the buildings, classrooms, toilets, water facilities and canteens. We also see whether the schools have an adequate number of trained teachers in health and health related subjects.

A PHI covers around 25 schools under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health in that region. A report is then sent to the Family Health Bureau for further action,” he said.

He said at present inspectors were monitoring and reviewing the progress by the schools based on the January report, with special focus on health.

“We have warned the school authorities to clean their premises which breeds mosquitoes as dengue is still prevalent. We have also asked them to rectify any shortcomings in the provision of clean water as there is an increase in water-borne diseases,” he said.