The RBSK, which stands for the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram is a part of India’s healthcare plan. Since its introduction, this government initiative has always focused on making sure health issues are found and fixed quickly in children from birth to age 18. There is a clear focus on encouraging inclusion and on lowering unfairness about getting good healthcare. This article will delve deep into the information, implementation, application, and all other details about the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Target Age Group | Birth to 18 years |
| Key Focus Areas | Defects at birth, deficiencies, diseases, and developmental delays |
| Screening Locations | Public health facilities, Anganwadi Centres, Government schools |
| Healthcare Team Composition | AYUSH Medical Officers, ANMs, staff nurses, and pharmacists |
| Intervention Facility | District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) |
| Coverage | Approximately 27 crore children across rural, urban, and slum areas |
| Screening Tools | Questionnaires, clinical examinations, and job aids |
| Services Offered | Free screening, referral, treatment, and follow-up services |
Read More: All About The Mother And Child Card (MCP)
What Is Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)?
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) has been the landmark initiative introduced by the Government of India for providing early identification and management in children from the moment of birth till 18 years of age. The screening of children under this government programme includes four cornerstones namely: Congenital anomalies, Nutritional deficiency state, Chronic and acute illness, and Disability within the developmental delay category. This govt scheme of child health screening is designed to identify and treat emerging problems promptly for the benefit of the children of this nation.
The aim was to encourage early treatment by embracing two points, the community and facility-based so that children from both the rural areas and the urban slums can access the health services that they require. Most importantly, children of the age group zero to six years are screened in DEIC, while children of the age group of six to eighteen years are screened at the public utilities.
Target Age Group For Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram launch date in India marked almost all the milestones. The programme is intended to extend the age range of children, with particular emphasis on rural, urban slum and government-aided schools, to those below 18 years. The government scheme is planned to scale up in phases reaching out to about 27 crore children spread over the following segments:
| Categories | Age Group | Estimated Coverage |
|---|
| Babies born at public health facilities and at home | Birth to 6 weeks | 2 crores |
| Preschool children in rural areas and urban slums | 6 weeks to 6 years | 8 crores |
| Schoolchildren enrolled in classes I to XII in government and government-aided schools | 6 years to 18 years | 17 crores |
Read More: Delhi Ladli Scheme For NCT Girls
Criteria Evaluated Under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram pdf also informs that a total of 30 health problems are included for screening in this government programme, which also includes the conditions that states may append according to epidemiological circumstances. The four categories include:
1. Defects at Birth
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Neural tube defects
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Down's Syndrome
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Cleft Lip & Palate
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Talipes (club foot)
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Congenital heart diseases
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Retinopathy of Prematurity
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Congenital deafness and cataracts
2. Deficiencies
3. Diseases of Childhood
4. Developmental Delays and Disabilities
Diseases such as hypothyroidism, sickle cell anaemia and Beta-thalassemia may also be incorporated by the States and the Union Territories.
Read More: LaQshya Programme For Maternal & Neonatal Care
Screening At Anganwadi Centres
Mobile Block Health Teams tri-annual visit Anganwadi Centres to identify and address health problems among children in the age of below six years. Developmental delay causes screening also involves the use of job aids, children who are suspected of having any condition emphasise the concern towards the delinquent child and are referred to the DEIC as well.
School-Based Screening
For school children aged between six years and eighteen years, the correct phrase is, that a health worker goes to schools once a year to screen children for deficiencies, diseases and developmental delays. Questionnaires and clinical examinations are generally employed for screening with the use of further treatment referral mechanisms to the DEIC where necessary.
Read More: The Integrated Child Development Scheme
Mobile Health Team Building
The mobile health team is a vital component of this government program. This team consists of four members. The scenario of which are mentioned below.
This ensures effective screening, treatment and follow-up services.
| Team Members | Number |
|---|
| Medical Officers (AYUSH - 1 male, 1 female) | 2 |
| ANM/Staff Nurse | 1 |
| Pharmacist with computer proficiency | 1 |
How To Access RBSK Services
To avail of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, families and children have to go to the public health facilities or wait for the Mobile Health Teams which will come and carry out the screening at Anganwadi Centres or government schools.
If any such health condition is found, the child can be referred to the nearest District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) for treatment free of charge.
Read More: Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme
Conclusion
It is the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram RBSK which is a very important health programme for children in India. This government scheme seeks to prevent or remedy conditions that would otherwise impact a child’s health which by extension ensures that children in India grow to be healthy individuals and have a positive future.
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