Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a public programme that screens children for health problems so that they can receive treatment and support early. Launched in 2013 under the National Health Mission, it covers children from birth to 18 years through screening for birth defects, diseases, deficiencies and developmental delays, including disabilities.

What the programme screens for

RBSK organises its screening mandate around the four Ds. Its purpose is to detect conditions before they cause avoidable complications or impair a child's growth and development.

• Defects at birth include conditions such as congenital heart disease, cleft lip and palate, and congenital cataract.
• Deficiencies include conditions such as anaemia, vitamin A deficiency and severe acute malnutrition.
• Childhood diseases include conditions such as skin diseases, dental caries and rheumatic heart disease.
• Developmental delays, including disabilities, cover concerns such as delayed motor or language development, hearing impairment and vision impairment.

Which children are screened and where

The programme uses different delivery platforms for different age groups rather than relying only on children visiting health facilities.

• Newborns are screened for birth defects at public health delivery facilities by existing health personnel.
• For children from birth to six weeks, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) undertake screening during home visits.
• Children aged six weeks to six years are screened at Anganwadi centres by dedicated mobile health teams.
• Children aged six to 18 years are screened by mobile health teams in government and government-aided schools.

From screening to early intervention

RBSK is intended to connect early detection with treatment, not merely record suspected conditions. Children identified through screening are referred for assessment, confirmation of diagnosis and appropriate intervention.

• District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) provide multidisciplinary assessment and early-intervention services, particularly for children below six years.
• Children requiring specialised care are linked to appropriate health facilities, including tertiary-level services.
• The programme provides for free treatment and management, including surgical care where required, for identified conditions.
• Follow-up and referral linkages are essential because a positive screening result is not, by itself, a confirmed diagnosis or completed treatment.