Delhi to Pilot Medical Rooms in 100 Government Schools, with Plans to Expand to 1,086

Delhi to Launch Medical Rooms in 100 Government Schools as Pilot

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Monday announced plans to establish dedicated medical rooms in 100 government schools on a pilot basis, with an eye toward extending the facility to all 1,086 such schools in phases. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative aims to provide students with immediate first aid, basic health support, and counselling, as reported by The New Indian Express and Times Now.

The project will be rolled out initially in 100 schools, and its expansion to the remaining government schools will depend on the outcome and evaluation of the pilot phase, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, as cited by Times Now.

Facilities and Services

According to the government's announcement, the 'School Medical Rooms' will offer a range of services, including first aid, temporary rest, basic health support, age-appropriate health guidance, and counselling. For female students, the rooms will provide a safe and private space during menstrual discomfort.

"Our aim is to provide students immediate first aid, basic health support and counselling when needed," Gupta said, as quoted by Times Now.

Primary health support in these rooms will be delivered by trained health workers engaged through an approved outsourcing arrangement, officials said. These workers will also assist with counselling, health-awareness activities, and maintenance of relevant records, according to The New Indian Express.

Funding and Expansion Plans

The Delhi government has earmarked Rs 5 crore in this year's Budget Estimates for the pilot project, a figure confirmed by both The New Indian Express and Times Now, with the latter attributing the detail to a press trust report. Additional funds required for the broader rollout will be provided in the coming years based on the pilot's evaluation.

The initiative is designed as a low-cost, high-impact arrangement, utilising existing school infrastructure, as reported by The New Indian Express. The government said the programme aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to create a safe, inclusive, and health-supportive school environment while promoting students' physical and emotional well-being and minimising disruption to their studies.

Context

Two months prior to this announcement, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated AI-integrated smart toilets, a STEM Innovation Lab, computer lab, and smart classrooms at a school under the 'Saksham Programme', according to Times Now. That initiative reflects the government's ongoing efforts to modernise school infrastructure.