2024-09-07 01:38:34
Tokyo: In Japan, students are being forced to remove their clothes in the name of health checkup. This decision of the government has increased the controversy among students, guardians and teachers. Actually, students in Japan have to go for health checkup, some of whom are 13 years old. During this, they are asked to remove their shirt and in some cases even their bra. The families of the children say that this is having an emotional and psychological effect on them. A recent survey has revealed that 95 percent of middle school students have expressed their displeasure over removing their clothes for health checkup. They have termed it a difficult step for them and a cause of embarrassment.
Lack of nationwide policy
There is no nationwide policy on whether or not female students should remove their clothes during health checkups. This is why there is no uniformity in the rules. Local education boards determine the procedure for health checkups in collaboration with visiting doctors and compounders. This is why the rules vary widely across the country. Some schools, including senior high school girls, are being forced to remove their shirts and bras. While others allow students to remain clothed.
Variation in rules has raised concern and anger from parents and child rights groups. For example, in some western Japanese cities, high school students are required to be topless during health checkups. This variation in practices raises concerns about the adequacy and fairness of the procedures being used.
Medical associations and expert opinion
The Japan Medical Association has defended the practice of topless health screenings, arguing that undressing is necessary for a comprehensive examination. However, this stance has been challenged by medical experts who question the need for such practices. According to The Guardian, Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University Hospital, has expressed doubts about the medical justification for forcing students to undress. Iwata admitted that undressing may slightly improve the clarity of the heartbeat sound, but it is not necessary for accurate health assessments.
Government response and recommendations
In response to growing criticism, Japan’s education ministry issued a notice on January 23, 2024, aimed at addressing privacy concerns during school health checks. A ministry notice advised local education boards that students should not be required to undress if it did not compromise the accuracy of the test, The Mainichi reported. It suggested alternatives such as requiring students to wear gym clothes or use towels to cover their bodies. The notice also recommended measures to ensure privacy and respect during checks, including conducting separate checks for boys and girls and using curtains.