The situation concerning the supply of drinking water in schools is alarming. In 11 of the 31 districts, a part of the schools use water from wells and springs because they are not connected to centralized or local drinking water supply systems. In some of the schools, the drinking water is bought in bottles at the expense of the institution or of the parents, said ombudswoman for children’s rights Maia Bănărescu, who presented a report on the observance of children’s right to health in education institutions, IPN reports.

The state of sanitary facilities in schools is a serious problem that affects the realization of the right to health. Most of the toilets, primarily in rural areas, are old and are situated outside, being accessible to any foreigner and not ensuring intimacy. They are insanitary and smell badly. According to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, 30.9% of the education institutions (351 schools) have outhouses and need the hygienic and sanitary conditions to be improved.

The ombudswoman noted that even if most of the schools have medical workers, 113 of the 1,266 education institutions do not employ such staff primarily due to the low salaries. Also, most of the schools have medical offices, but these are inappropriately equipped and have a minimum of medicines and medical devices that do not cover the real needs of students.

Maia Bănărescu recommends the Government to allocate financial resources for ensuring suitable conditions for the development of children. The ensuring of the children’s access to improved water sources in schools and kindergartens is a priority.

Attending the online event held to present the report, representatives of the Ministry of Finance said financial resources for improving the situation in schools can be allocated only after the 2021 state budget law is amended. Money for the purpose should be also earmarked in the budgets for 2022-2023.