In February 2013, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government introduced the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), also known as ‘Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services‘. This initiative aims to give every child a healthy start in life by focusing on early detection and management of common health issues. The 4Ds targeted by the program are defects at birth, diseases in children, deficiency conditions, and developmental delays, including disabilities. Implemented under the National Health Mission by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, RBSK adopts a comprehensive approach to identify health problems early on and provide necessary interventions for children across the country.
Target Group
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram aims to provide healthcare services to children aged 0-6 living in rural areas and urban slums.
- Additionally, it extends its services to older children, from grades 1 to 12, who are enrolled in Government and Government aided schools.
- The program plans to gradually reach over 25 crore children across the country.
Background
- Over the years, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has made significant strides in reducing child mortality rates.
- The NRHM focuses on identifying and treating problems known as the 4Ds effectively. These isses, which haven’t received enough attention in the past, include developmental delays, disabilities, deficiencies, and diseases.
- By targeting children aged 0 to 18, the program aims to detect and address health issues early on. Through screenings and diagnosis, children can receive timely treatment, including free surgeries at advanced medical facilities supported by NRHM.
- This initiative isn’t just about treating illnesses; it’s about safeguarding and promoting the overall health of children. By providing necessary medical interventions, NRHM aims to enhance both their survival rates and developmental outcomes.
Requirements
- Every year in India, around 17 lakh babies are born with congenital disabilities, affecting about 6 to 7 out of every hundred newborns.
- Sadly, these disabilities contribute to a staggering 9.5% of infant deaths, showing the urgent need for intervention and support.
- Nutritional deficiencies among preschoolers are a concerning issue, impacting the growth and development of approximately 10% of these young children.
- If not addressed during early childhood, these deficiencies can lead to lifelong disabilities such as cognitive impairment, hearing and vision problems, Down’s syndrome, dental issues, and various other health challenges.
- Detecting and addressing these conditions early on is crucial for ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life for affected children.
- It enables them to thrive and succeed in school and beyond.
- This initiative aims to benefit approximately 270 million children across India.
- Progress is expected to occur gradually over time.
- By providing timely screenings and interventions, the program not only enhances the overall quality of life for children but also reduces the financial burden on families by minimizing healthcare costs.
- Ultimately, the goal is to promote holistic growth and development for all children, ensuring they have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
Key Features
- This program aims to help 270 million children nationwide, addressing 30 common health issues in kids under 18.
- These issues include birth defects, childhood diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and developmental delays (referred to as the 4D’s).
- Each mobile health team, stationed in every block, consists of a male AYUSH doctor, a female AYUSH doctor, a nurse, and a pharmacist.
- Children aged 0-6 will be screened twice yearly and enrolled in Anganwadis for ongoing care and support.
