MoH urges schools to prioritise student health and wellbeing

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health (MoH), through the School and University Health Department, is rolling out an integrated plan for the 2025-2026 academic year aimed at promoting student health in schools and universities.

Part of the Comprehensive Readiness for Schools and Universities initiative, the plan focuses on early disease detection and raising health awareness to create safe, healthy learning environments that support both academic achievement and quality of life.

Dr Shamsa bint Ahmed al Harthiyah, Acting Director of the School and University Health Department, said that school and university health services are vital for public health, providing students with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable, healthy lifestyles.

Gobhanu Korisepati of the Wharton & Huntsman Programme at the University of Pennsylvania, who spoke to Observer, highlighted that integrated health plans succeed when early screening is paired with clear referral pathways and proper student data protection.

“Success should be judged by how many students receive timely care and how much illness-related absenteeism falls. Every day in school compounds learning, so regaining even one lost day can change a student’s trajectory,” Korisepati said.

School health personnel will provide comprehensive services, including medical exams for students in grades one, seven, and ten, as well as vision checks for students in grades one and four.

These initiatives aim to detect health problems early and provide appropriate follow-up to support academic performance.

Sayed Salman, Chairman of the BoD at Indian Schools, emphasised the importance of addressing both physical and mental wellness. “Disease identification should include a mental health component. Schools must implement an exhaustive plan covering the holistic wellbeing of students,” he said.

Jameela Ashfaque, Principal of Brilliant Youth Private School, stressed monitoring children’s junk food intake and educating families to shape a healthier society.

She added: “With increasing reliance on processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and constant exposure to digital screens, young people face health risks earlier than ever. Introducing structured health education and wellness programmes empowers students to make informed choices about nutrition, exercise and overall wellbeing.”