Many schools encounter significant challenges when it comes to supporting students with epilepsy, often resulting in children being sent home due to insufficient medical resources. To tackle this pressing issue, AIIMS Nagpur has launched a dedicated tele-helpline as part of an ICMR-funded initiative titled “Tele-school Health-led Epilepsy Smart Schools in India.” The primary objective of this project is to equip teachers and schools with the necessary tools to manage epilepsy-related incidents effectively, ultimately providing essential support to students, educators, and parents alike.
The tele-helpline will operate from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. It will offer a range of services, including health education, information on epilepsy care, emergency management guidance, and tele-consultation. This initiative aims to serve around 250,000 students across 1,700 schools under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Zilla Parishad (ZP), and Municipal Council, encompassing both urban and rural areas within the Nagpur district. Spearheaded by the Department of Paediatrics and Community Medicine at AIIMS Nagpur, the project seeks to enhance epilepsy care in educational settings, ensuring timely access to guidance and medical advice for affected children. Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, can considerably impact a child’s academic performance and social interactions, leading to stigma and potential school dropout if not properly managed.
During the launch event, experts emphasized the critical nature of early diagnosis and ongoing management of epilepsy, which can help students lead fulfilling lives. The tele-helpline is designed to bridge knowledge gaps, empowering schools to respond to epilepsy cases more adeptly. Notable attendees at the launch included Vinayak Mahamuni, CEO of Zilla Parishad, and Dr. Prashant Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur. The project is directed by Dr. Shikha Jain, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, alongside Co-investigator Dr. Sujiv Akkilagunta, Associate Professor of Community Medicine. This initiative represents a vital step toward fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for children with epilepsy, allowing them to continue their education without unnecessary interruptions.
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