Minister of Defense and National Security Major General (Rtd) Moosa Ali Jaleel has said that resources and trained personnel for emergency situations need to be implemented in many schools.
He made the statement speaking in the ceremony held in SHE building by Education Ministry to unveil the Disaster Risk Management Plan.
Minister Jaleel said that in case of an emergency, there has to be a suitable location for all students to assemble. He added that good quality first aid services have to be provided along with proper training for first aid service providers.
Moosa Jaleel stated present health officers in the schools are not fully equipped to handle emergency situations. Therefore, he stated that senior officials of the schools, employees and teachers have to be properly trained in first aid as well. He added that training in such a program would be an easy feat for the involved parties.
He added that the disaster management plans have to be adapted to each island taking into account availability of resources.
Minister Jaleel stressed on the importance of raising awareness of the plans among students and added that there were many things that need to be carried out. He noted that the issue of smoke inhalation for many schools due to burning garbage near the vicinity of the schools.
Minister Jaleel said that this plan was drawn up in 2003 and had been tested in 2004, prior to the Indian Ocean Tsunami. He stated that he was hopeful that the plan would be a fully comprehensive plan.