Ref: CHB/Flash/2006/13                                                                                                  Date: April 21, 2006

 

CHB NEWS FLASH

 

STUDENT’S PRE-ADMISSION HEALTH CHECK UP


Pre admission screening is a compulsory medical screening of every child before he/she joins school and is carried out every year thereafter before start of next session. The screening is done by a qualified medical personnel and findings noted on a prescribed form to be submitted to school before admission. This information is kept confidential by school nurse.

A paper written by the CHB Head of Public Health Education, Dr. Iqbal Ali was circulated to all the Jamaats in November 2004 with a recommendation to carry out “Pre admission screening” of every child before he/she joins school, in particular reference to those Jamaats who operate own schools. A reminder was sent out in March 2005.

Some our schools have introduced a “Medical Questionnaire” which the parents/guardian are required to complete at the time of admission to school. The Questionnaire is more of a theoretical exercise that provides information about the child; but this is not sufficient as it does not provide an opportunity to identify through screening the unknown health problems of a child at an early stage which may later be detrimental to his/her development; physically, socially and academically.

The CHB strongly recommends all our schools operating in the constituent Jamaats in Africa to institute the “Pre admission screening” without further delay.

Following is a gist of what the screening entails.

For example, Pre school admission screening of children of 4-5 years of age, provides an opportunity to check that:
 

  • Immunizations are up-to-date.

  • Children have access to primary and dental care.

  • Appropriate assessment and interventions for any physical development or emotional problems.

  • Provide children, parents and school staff with information about specific health issues.

  • Check the child's height and weight.

  • Hearing test.

  • Vision screening to include colour vision test.

 

 

 

 

 “Community’s health – CHB's priority”