School under fire, girls allegedly told to remove bras for medical exam

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has expressed grave concern over claims that proper school protocols were not observed when medically examining students.

Mr Radrodro was responding to an alleged incident he was made aware of by the Fiji Sun involving Year 11 girls in a prominent school in Suva.

It is alleged that some girls were told to remove their bras before being examined by a male doctor, without the knowledge or consent of their parents.

The alleged incident happened earlier this week. Concerned parents of some of the girls had questioned the Year 11 teacher on why there was no consent letter provided to parents.

Parents were informed by their daughters that an announcement was made on the intercom for Year 11 girls to proceed for their medical checks.

The teacher assured parents of full investigation into the matter.

Mr Radrodro confirmed the report had not reached the ministry.

“That is very concerning, and the ministry is against such incidents happening in schools around Fiji,” he said.

When contacted via phone, the school principal said he was unaware of the incident.

He said he was aware of a heart screening programme in the school. He said that parents must follow proper complaints channel by lodging their complaints with his office.

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