Primary school teachers from Kisii County have challenged the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association to consider deploying medical staff during games, in a bid to combat rising incidents of pupils collapsing due to medical complications.
According to the teachers, the medical staff will be able to ascertain pupils who are fit for the games, as a way of taking precaution to avert any medical related issues from emerging in such competitions.
This comes after two students from Kiogoro and Kisii Primary schools collapsed on Monday at Kisii University Sports Center during the athletics competitions, and later on admitted at Kisii Referral Hospital for further medication.
“It is so sad that we came to hold such big games without medical staff. As organizers, it is difficult for us to know those fit or unfit for the games. The medical staff will enable us make right decisions before subjecting pupils in certain races,” said Edwin Mokamu, a teacher.
“The situation becomes quite complicated when we encounter serious cases like today. Pupils insist they want a race and we have no option other than letting them participate. Consequently, it will be essential if the KPSSA deploys medics in sporting competitions,” added Wilter Ondiri.
The two pupils are stable but in a critical situation according to Dr. Agnes Opiyo.
“I have done a thorough check up and found one with breathing difficulties while the other is suffering from chest problems. They are critical but still in a stable condition,” she said.