Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

RBSK or Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram is a scheme meant for children of up to 18 years of age. This scheme, launched by the Government of India, works toward identifying and intervening to prevent diseases, defects at birth, deficiencies, and developmental delays.

 

In a staggered manner,the RBSK scheme aims to reach out to and help over 27 Crore children in India. 

 

Under the RBSK scheme, screening of children will be undertaken at the community level, and at Public Health Centres/Digital Hospitals/Community Health Centres.

Overview of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

Children under 0-6 years of age along with those enrolled in classes I to XII in government and government-aided schools are covered under the RBSK scheme. The targeted groups are further subdivided into three categories owing to the fact that they necessitate the use of different sets of tools and might have different priorities. About 27 crore children are expected to be reached in a phased manner under the RBSK scheme. The subcategories are as follows:

Health Conditions to be Screened

30 selected health conditions are covered under the Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services of the RBSK. Additionally, diseases like hypothyroidism, Sickle cell anaemia and Beta Thalassemia can also be included by States and UTs based on the epidemiological situation and the availability of necessary facilities for testing and support. The following table enlists the selected health conditions as classified under the 4 D’s:

Selected Health Conditions for Screening of Child Health and Early Intervention Services
Birth Defects	Childhood Diseases
Developmental dysplasia of the hip Congenital cataract Congenital deafness Congenital heart diseases Neural tube defect Down's Syndrome Cleft Lip and Palate / Cleft palate alone Talipes (club foot) Retinopathy of Prematurity	Skin conditions (Scabies, fungal infection and Eczema) Otitis Media Rheumatic heart disease Reactive airway disease Dental conditions Convulsive disorders
Deficiencies	Delays in Development and Disabilities
Anaemia Deficiency of Vitamin A (Bitot spot) Vitamin D Deficiency, (Rickets) Severe Acute Malnutrition Goitre	Cognitive delay Language delay Behaviour disorder (Autism) Learning disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Vision Impairment Hearing Impairment Neuro-motor Impairment Motor delay
Congenital Hypothyroidism, Sickle cell anaemia, Beta thalassemia (Optional)

Screening Places at Community & Facility Level

The screening mechanism under the RBSK is divided into two types, one done at the facility level at Public Health Centres/ Community Health Centres/Digital Hospitals by medical practitioners, and the other done at the community level. Mobile health teams at Anganwadi centres and government and government-aided schools help in screening at the community level.

Screening at Anganwadi Centre

The teams that are responsible for screening children of age 6 years or below are mobile health teams for diseases, deficiencies, developmental delays, and disability at the Anganwadi centres. The children are screened at least two times a year. The teams use pictorials, reference charts, etc. as part of the tools for screening. Those who are suspected of such delay in their development are then referred to the DEIC for any further management.

Screening at Government and Government-Aided Schools

Children in the age group of 6-18 years are screened for any developmental delays that also include disability, deficiencies, diseases, and adolescent health at the local schools at least one time a year. The tools used here are mostly questionnaires (preferably translated to a local language) and clinical examinations.

Year-wise RBSK Performance

Here’s a year-wise breakdown of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram Scheme’s performance. 

RBSK Mobile Health Team Composition

The mobile health team consists of four members as mentioned in the table below:

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