Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 16: Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan today said that the new healthcare initiative “Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram” would be launched in the State this month.
He said the initiative envisages comprehensive healthcare programme for children aimed at to improve their health through early detection of birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays and disability.
Speaking at the inaugural function of 5-day training programme for mobile health teams and DEIC staff organized by J&K National Rural Health Society here today, Mr. Shabir said, “RBSK is an opportunity to provide succor to preschool and school-age children who suffer from a variety of conditions which can be addressed through a systematic public health approach”.
He said, “RBSK is a comprehensive approach to identify children with certain ailments and deficiencies with the help of mobile teams followed by management through the District Early Intervention Centers and further referral to other higher centers, where specific treatment and rehabilitation facilities are available.”
The training programme was attended by newly engaged ISM doctors, ANMs and Pharmacists of Bandipora, Budgam and Anantnag, who utilized the opportunity to not only understand the tools and the guidelines of the programme, but also to exchange best practices. Experts on childhood development and rehabilitation from various Institutes and Organizations working on birth defects also participated and contributed to the deliberations.
Mission Director, J&K Health Society, Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur Rehman, Nodal Officer, RBSK, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad was among other senior officers present on the occasion.
The Minister said the State Government with the liberal financial assistance from Central Government is committed to achieve the objective of “Health for All” through accessible, affordable and equitable healthcare services. He said this new initiative of Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Service to provide comprehensive care to all children would be launched in all the districts of the State.
Shabir said the teams will carry out screening of all the children in the age group 0 – 6 years enrolled at Anganwadi centers at least twice a year besides screening of all children enrolled in Government and Government aided schools. He said that the newborns will also be screened for birth defects right at the health facilities where deliveries take place and during the home visit by ASHA.
The Minister said the initial three years of a child’s life are most critical from the point of view of physical and cognitive development. He said regular health screening and early intervention can yield rich dividends, adding that several children are born with defects, which contribute in neonatal mortality.
Director, NRHM and Director Health Services, Kashmir also spoke on the occassion and threw light on benefits of RBSR.
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