Negligence & Nonchalant Attitude Of Medical Practitioners Towards Students In Nigerian Schools: A Grave Concern -By Baradi Oritsetimeyin Emmanuella

Introduction

The health and well-being of students of students in Nigerian schools are of paramount importance, as they represent the future of the nation. Unfortunately, the negligence and nonchalant attitude displayed by some medical practitioners towards students’ health care needs have become a great concern. This article aims to shed light on the pressing issues, exploring the causes, implications and potential solutions.

Causes of Negligence and Nonchalant Attitude

1. Inadequate resources and infrastructure: Nigerian schools, especially in rural areas, often lack proper medical facilities and resources. The scarcity of essential medical equipment and personnel puts a strain on practitioners, making it difficult to provide adequate health care services to students. This scarcity may lead to a nonchalant attitude and negligence towards students’ health concerns.

2. Overburdened medical practitioners: Medical practitioners in Nigeria, particularly those assigned to schools, are often overworked and understaffed and stricken in age to a point where they are not efficient in their duties. They are responsible for attending to a large number of students with limited time and resources. Consequently, this overwhelming workload can lead to fatigue and a lack of attentiveness, resulting in negligent behavior.

3. Lack of awareness and training: Some medical practitioners may not possess adequate knowledge or training in dealing with the specific health care needs of students. This knowledge gap can result in misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or inappropriate management of medical conditions, thereby putting students’ health at risk. Let us examine the unfortunate incident which occurred in Delta State University health center where a promising young adult with hope and visions for tomorrow lost his dear life due to the negligence and nonchalant attitude of the health care service provider. The student was down with seizure and needed urgent attention but due to the negligence from the medical practitioners end and the delay of the ambulance driver he lost his life.

Implications for Students

The negligence and nonchalant attitude of medical practitioners in Nigerian schools have far-reaching implications for students:

1. Health risks and worsening conditions: Delayed or inadequate medical attention
can exacerbate health issues among students. As a result, health Conditions are worsened, leading to complications which may likely influence student’s health and academic performance.
2. Academic setbacks:’Till date, severe medical conditions have posed a strong limitations in student’s academic performances. Due to these illnesses, students have been hindered from participating in lecturers by being absent, or in some cases, difficulty in or lack of concentration during lectures resulting in a decline in academic performances.

3. Emotional distress and psychological impact: When students witness the negligence and nonchalant attitude of medical practitioners, it not only affects their physical well-being but also creates emotional distress. The lack of empathy and support from health care professionals can lead to feelings of neglect, anxiety, and mistrust, potentially affecting their mental health. Some weeks back a student from Benson Idahosa University was also a victim of the negligence of the medical practitioners in the school health center. Howbeit, he also was a promising young man whose life was cut short because of no self sympathy from the practitioners and other minor workers in the school.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the negligence and nonchalant attitude of medical practitioners in Nigerian schools requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Improved infrastructure and resources: The government should invest in upgrading medical facilities and providing adequate resources in schools. This includes ensuring the availability of essential medical equipment, medicines, and sufficient health care personnel to meet the needs of students effectively.

2. Training and continuous professional development: Medical practitioners assigned to schools should receive specialized training to enhance their knowledge and skills in dealing with students’ health issues. Frequent training as well to stay up to date on medical procedures and also to educate them on more cases and improve their expertise in the field. This training should cover common ailments, mental health awareness, and emergency response protocols.

3. Increased accountability: Implementing a system of checks and balances to hold medical practitioners accountable for their actions is crucial. Regular evaluations and performance assessments can help identify any lapses in health care delivery and take appropriate corrective measures.

4. Collaborative approach: Schools, parents, and medical practitioners should work together to prioritize students’ health. Establishing open lines of communication and encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s health care can contribute to a safer and healthier school environment.

5. Public awareness campaigns: Raising public awareness about the rights of students to quality health care and the importance of reporting instances of negligence is vital. Students, parents, and teachers should be educated about their roles and responsibilities in advocating for better health care services in schools.

Conclusion

The negligence and nonchalant attitude of medical practitioners towards students in Nigerian schools is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. By addressing the underlying causes, implementing effective solutions, and fostering a collaborative approach, we can strive towards a health care system that prioritizes the well-being of students. It is essential to ensure that every student receives timely and appropriate medical attention, enabling them to thrive academically and lead healthy lives.