Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Objectives of the Scheme

Salient Features of the Scheme

• Early Identification & Intervention: Early detection and treatment of the 4Ds—Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays (including disabilities)
• Comprehensive Care: Provides preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare for children
• Holistic Development: Ensures child survival, growth, development, and improved quality of life
• Economic Relief: Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure through timely intervention and disease prevention.

• Origin: Launched in February 2013
• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a program for early identification of selected health conditions and linking them for medical and surgical management, thereby providing comprehensive care for children in the community.
  • RBSK 2.0 covers 38 common health conditions for early detection, free treatment, and necessary interventions, including surgeries at tertiary levels.
• Implementing Agency: National Health Mission (NHM) 
• Target group: Children from birth to 18 years of age
• Key Highlights of RBSK 2.0 Guidelines
  • Delivery Points: Newborns from birth to 6 weeks.
  • Anganwadi Centres: Preschool children from 6 weeks to 6 years.
  • Government & Government-Aided Schools: Students from 6 to 18 years.
  • District Early Intervention Centers (DEIC): Comprehensive management under one roof

• Tertiary Care: Including surgical management, Cochlear implants provided under RBSK by NHM.
• Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) with Participatory Care
• Early education and concept building among children regarding healthy and unhealthy practices.
• Promotes active involvement of children, families, schools, and communities in the continuum of care and adoption of healthy practices at home. 
• Expanded Scope Beyond 4Ds:  Incorporating new-age health challenges, including mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension alongside the traditional 4Ds. 
• Screening Platforms Screening is conducted continuously across a child's development at specific locations:
• Strengthened referral linkages: Emphasize strengthened referral linkages and continuity of care, with clearly defined pathways from community-level screening to facility-based diagnosis and treatment.
• Expanded Scope of Secondary & Tertiary Care: It is envisioned with a structured hub-and-spoke model to enable specialist services reach children at all levels.
• Digitalization & Tracking:  Introduces digital health cards, real-time monitoring, and referral tracking systems. 
• Health card concept: Introduction of longitudinal "Health Card" linked with child tracking (report card concept)
• Multi-Sectoral Convergence: Integrates health, education, and women & child development systems through schools and Anganwadi Centres.
• Others