Stop denying students exeat; NAGRAT to SHS Heads

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has called on heads of senior high schools to refrain from denying students permission to seek external medical attention.

This warning comes after a recent court ruling that held Achimota School liable for negligence in the death of a student eight years ago.

In 2016, Kervin Kofi Moses, a student of Achimota School, died after being denied permission to seek medical attention by the school authorities.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and sparked a long-running lawsuit. In a landmark ruling, the court ordered Achimota School to pay GH¢600,000 in damages for its negligence.

The President of NAGRAT, Angel Carbonu, has urged school leaders to learn from this tragic incident and prioritize the health and well-being of their students.

“When a student comes to you, you are not a medical professional and so you cannot determine whether a student is sick or not because you don’t have competence in that field,” he said in an interview with Citi News.

According to Carbonu, school leaders should promptly release students who require medical care and refer them to appropriate professionals who have the competence to determine the nature of their illness.

“What business does a housemaster or a housemistress have to deny a student exeat to go to the hospital?” he asked.

The NAGRAT president emphasized that it is crucial for school authorities to recognize their limitations and avoid taking on responsibilities that are outside their expertise.

“As teachers, our role is to educate, not to diagnose or treat medical conditions. We should not be seen as trying to play doctor.”

Also read; BECE; Four Teachers caught up for assisting students- WAEC

Carbonu’s words of caution come at a time when there have been several reported cases of students being denied permission to seek medical attention by their schools.

These incidents have raised concerns about the impact on students’ health and well-being, as well as the potential legal implications for schools that fail to prioritize their students’ safety.

By allowing students to seek medical attention when they need it, schools can help prevent serious health complications and ensure that their students receive the care they deserve.

As the academic year gets underway, it is crucial for school leaders to take heed of NAGRAT’s warning and prioritize their students’ health above all else.

By doing so, they can help create a safe and supportive learning environment that allows students to thrive academically and personally.

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