The Province 3 government has launched “One School, One Nurse” programme in all 13 districts of the province.

In the first phase, the Social Development Ministry has appointed 19 nurses in 19 government schools.  

According to the provincial government, the programme has been launched with the objective of providing emergency medical services to students and counsel female students on reproductive health and sex education.  

“The programme will be mandatory in every school once the Federal Education Bill is endorsed,” said Satish Bista, spokesperson at the ministry.

The provincial government had endorsed the “One School, One Nurse Action Plan 2018” two months ago, paving the way for the programme’s implementation. The expenses for the programme will be borne by the provincial government for this year.

“From next year, a separate budget will be earmarked for the programme,” said Bista.

Private schools must run the programme by appointing the nurses themselves from next year.

Stakeholders said the programme could be beneficial to students if run properly.

“Female students feel uncomfortable expressing their personal problems to everyone. Talking with school nurse can help them. Nurses will also counsel students about reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, quality food, nutrition, sex education and first aid treatment,” said Binda Ghimire, registrar of Nepal Nursing Council.