Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is an expansion of the Vidyalaya Arogya Scheme, specializing in the early detection of 30 common health issues in children under 18 years of age. This innovative program focuses on screening, early treatment, and care, including surgeries for congenital birth defects in newborns. Based on the identified health problems, referrals are made to Public Health Centers and District Early Intervention Centers in district-level hospitals for diagnosis and further treatment. If necessary, further referrals to specialized treatment centers are also arranged.
Health problems receiving free treatment and follow-up as per RBSK guidelines
- Defect at Birth
- Neural Tube Defect
- Down Syndrome
- Cleft Lip
- Palate/cleft palate alone
- Club Foot
- Developmental psyplasia of the hip
- Congenital cataract
- Congenital heart diseases
- Retinopathy of prec maturity
Deficiencies
- Severe anaemia
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Severe malnutrition
- Goiter
- Childhood diseases
- Skin diseases (Scabies, Fungal Infection, Eczema)
- Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Dental caries
- Convulsive Disorders
Developmental delays and disabilities
- Poor eyesight
- Hearing loss
- Neuro-Motor impairment, Motor Delay
- Congnitive Delay
- Language Delay
- Autism
- Learning disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia
Government hospitals, including medical colleges and facilities like Sree Chitra, offer a range of medical services, including surgeries, completely free of charge for children. Treatments for congenital genetic diseases in newborns are also provided at no cost. Newborns are examined by doctors and allied health workers at public health centers, while Junior Public Health Nurses (IPHN), Junior Health Inspectors (JHI), and other health professionals conduct home visits for babies up to six weeks old. From six weeks to 18 years of age, children are monitored by school health nurses at Anganwadis and schools.
DEICs (one per district) are innovative hospital-based facilities under the RBSK scheme that screen children from birth to 18 years for growth, developmental issues, and disabilities, ensuring timely and improved treatment.
District Early Intervention Center (DEIC)
The District Early Intervention Center (DEIC) is an innovative initiative under the RBSK project, established in every district to identify and address developmental health issues and disabilities in children. Each DEIC is staffed with a team of specialists, including pediatricians, dental surgeons, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists, audiologists, special educators, optometrists, and dental hygienists.
Babies referred from hospitals receive care and treatment at DEICs, where their progress is closely monitored. If needed, they are referred to specialized health centers for further care.
Services
- Children with disabilities, from birth to 18 years of age, are referred to District Early Intervention Centers (DEIC) by specialist pediatricians and medical officers following comprehensive examinations. They are then directed to in-house specialists for further treatment as needed.
- For hearing-impaired children, audiologists and special educators provide care, including weekly or monthly follow-up sessions, all free of charge. Babies with congenital clubfoot (talipes) are provided with orthoses, supported by the hospital’s PMR department. Physiotherapy services are also available for conditions like cerebral palsy and motor neuron disorders.
- Children with hearing or vision loss receive appropriate guidance, and if necessary, spectacles and hearing aids are provided by optometrists and audiologists. Continued care is crucial for children with developmental issues, requiring regular visits with special educators or speech therapists. These follow-up treatments, which can be costly in private institutions, are offered completely free at DEIC.
