Beirut: MP Dr. Charbel Massaad has formally addressed a concern to Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Rima Karami regarding the protection of educational rights for students undergoing extended medical treatments. This inquiry, submitted through the Presidency of Parliament, invokes Article 124 of the Parliament's Rules of Procedure and seeks a timely response from the ministry.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Massaad emphasized the ministry's responsibility to uphold the principle of equal educational opportunities for all students, particularly those affected by chronic or severe illnesses that necessitate long-term hospitalization. He highlighted that such circumstances hinder regular school attendance, risking academic disruption or exclusion from official examinations.
Massaad reiterated the constitutional guarantee of the right to education, asserting that illness should not impede this right. He noted the absence of clear policies or exemptions for affected students, which exacerbates their challenges by adding educational uncertainty to their health battles.
In his inquiry, Massaad posed three key questions to the minister. First, he inquired about existing measures at the Ministry of Education to support continuous learning for students undergoing prolonged medical treatment. Second, he questioned whether legal or regulatory provisions are available to facilitate alternative educational methods, such as distance learning or specialized programs. Lastly, he sought clarification on whether the ministry plans to implement a structured framework in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and other stakeholders to ensure no student loses their educational rights due to health issues.