There are over 200 million adolescents in India with serious health problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (राष्ट्रीय किशोर स्वास्थ्य कार्यक्रम) caters to these needs and is working towards realising its primary vision.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a government health programme for adolescents in the age group of 10-19 years that addresses nutrition, reproductive health and substance abuse among others.

Read More: PM Modi To Give Upto 5 Lakh Free Healthcare To Senior Citizens!

Condition Of Adolescents In India

In India, 22.5 % of the population are adolescents. During adolescence, the peak of growth and development of girls takes place. Although the mortality rate is lower in this age group, they suffer from various health and nutritional problems that can lead to morbidity and nutritional deficiencies. Many mental health problems also occur in late childhood and early adolescence.

Common mental health problems include conduct disorders, anxiety, depression and eating disorders, as well as other risk behaviours such as sexual behaviour, drug use and violent behaviour. In adulthood, it plays a role in the increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Tobacco use — both smoked and smokeless— in adolescence increases the risk of persistent nicotine addiction, which leads to regular and persistent tobacco use in adulthood.

Read More: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme (बेटी बचाओ बेटी पढ़ाओ): Saving And Educating The Daughters Of India

What Is Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (राष्ट्रीय किशोर स्वास्थ्य कार्यक्रम)?

The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram was inaugurated on 7 January 2014. The main premise of this govt programme is youth participation and leadership equality along with gender inclusion and strategic partnerships with various sectors and other stakeholders.

The programme aims to empower all people in India to realise their full potential by making conscious and responsible choices for their well-being and health and availing the support and assistance they need to do so.

The govt scheme includes measures aimed at the community through peer educators. It is supported by partnerships with various ministries and state governments. In addition, RKSK focuses on addressing the health problems of millions of adolescents through community-based interventions. The programme is jointly supported by state governments and other ministries, including the health, education and labour sectors, as well as adolescent families and communities.

Read More: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) 2024: A Complete Guide For Applying Online

Vision Of Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram

The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram provides for ensuring the following:

• All young people should be empowered to make responsible and informed life choices.

• Utilisation of services and support is essential for young people to maintain their health and well-being.

• Understanding the challenges associated with their health and development

• Ensuring an effective transition to adulthood.

• Addressing the multidimensional health needs and concerns of adolescents at different stages.

Application Process For RKSK

There is no set process to register under RKSK; state officials conduct field visits and collect information through careful surveillance, with implementation methods likely differing between states. Initiatives like RKSK aim at meeting challenges faced by teenagers directly; thus, government guidelines issued must provide accurate data.

Read More: Suraksha Yojana(JSY): A Comprehensive Guide To Pregnancy Support In India

Objectives Of The RKSK programme

The main objectives of this programme include

1. Improving reproductive and sexual health

• Parental support for adolescent parents.

• Reducing teenage pregnancy rates.

• Educating adolescent parents to avoid birth complications in the future.

2. Improving mental health

With 41% of young people in India needing help for their mental health The initiative aims to ensure that everyone realises their full potential and can make informed choices.

3. Reducing injury and violence

• Encouraging positive behaviour to prevent violence.

Target Groups

The adolescent health (AH) policy focuses on the 10-14 and 15-19 age groups, with universal coverage, i.e. both genders, urban and rural, in-school and out-of-school, married and unmarried, and at-risk and unserved.

Read More: Vatsalya Care Scheme For Child Welfare: Eligibility, Benefits, And Application Process

Conclusion

The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) is a key player in improving adolescent health in India. By focusing on preventive health, including sexual and reproductive health, psychological well-being and addiction prevention, RKSK addresses the specific needs of adolescents. In addition, the inclusion of health insurance in the programme could further increase its effectiveness.

Visit the official website to learn more about the government health program.

Have any questions? Drop a comment on the Jagruk Bharat community page!