?Policy Action Needed: Basic Life Support Training in Schools and Gram Sabhas of Sikkim

?Policy Action Needed: Basic Life Support Training in Schools and Gram Sabhas of Sikkim

Dear Editor,

The rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases and childhood obesity in Sikkim has emerged as a significant public health concern, demanding urgent policy intervention. Increasing reports of cardiac arrest, hypertension, diabetes, respiratory distress, and obesity-related complications among schoolchildren and community members point to a growing health risk that can no longer be ignored.

Health professionals indicate that sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary patterns, and excessive screen time among children and adolescents have sharply increased vulnerability to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Prolonged use of mobile phones, computers, and television has reduced physical activity, contributing to obesity, early-onset diabetes, and high blood pressure at an unprecedented rate. Community health centres across the state have also reported a steady increase in adult cases of sudden cardiac events and metabolic disorders.

In this context, the absence of Basic Life Support (BLS) preparedness in schools and village institutions represents a critical policy gap. Medical experts emphasize that immediate intervention during the first 4–6 minutes of a cardiac or respiratory emergency can significantly improve survival outcomes. However, many schools and Gram Sabha institutions lack personnel trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and emergency response.

Given Sikkim’s geographical constraints, remote habitations, and delayed emergency medical response times, decentralised first-response capacity becomes essential. This places schools and Gram Sabhas at the forefront of community-level emergency preparedness.

A strong case therefore exists for the formulation of a state-level policy mandating Basic Life Support training across all educational institutions and Gram Sabha jurisdictions. Such a policy should include:

   •    Mandatory BLS certification for school teachers, senior students, Panchayat members, Anganwadi workers, and community volunteers

   •    Periodic refresher training and mock emergency drills

   •    Standardised training modules aligned with national health and disaster management guidelines

   •    Integration of lifestyle disease awareness and physical activity promotion within school curricula

Equally important is the recruitment and deployment of trained health personnel. The appointment of school health officers, nursing assistants, or certified first responders at block or cluster levels would ensure continuity of training, monitoring, and emergency response. Collaboration between the Health Department, Education Department, Disaster Management Authority, and local self-governance institutions is crucial for effective implementation.

Beyond emergency response, BLS training serves as a preventive public health tool. Early education on obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and the risks of excessive screen time promotes healthier behavioural choices, reduces long-term healthcare costs, and strengthens community resilience.

With lifestyle disease indicators rising steadily across Sikkim’s schools and communities, proactive policy-driven intervention is essential. Institutionalising Basic Life Support training through clear policy formulation and trained manpower is not merely a health initiative—it is a governance responsibility. Timely action today will help protect lives, strengthen communities, and secure a healthier future for the state.

Your’s ect,

Gyanandra Chettri, 

Ex Paramedic, Indian Navy

Lingmoo South Sikkim

Email: thapagyanan1873@gmail.com