The children of India can expect better health care in the future, as the President of India’s Congress (and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance), Sonia Gandhi launched healthcare for kids, her key healthcare initiative. The program is called Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram or National Child Health Programme, and is under the NHRM or National Rural Health Mission. The launch was in Palghar town of Thane district. Supporting the launch were Prithviraj Chavan, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
Who will benefit?
The program will be launched in various phases until full implementation has been reached. This program will benefit over 270 million children all over the country, providing much needed health care services and preventive care of newborns and up to those aged 18.
In the past, health care was only provided to children six years old and through a medical officer in anganwadis. These children were screened two times a year under the old scheme. Meanwhile, children aged six to 18 years of age received medical care through government-aided school health programme.
With this new programme, all the children will now be covered by an umbrella health care programme.
30 ailments for newborn screening
Even newborns can expect to receive screening for a number of diseases as well as deficiencies. Disabilities such as hearing and vision impairment will also be part of newborn screening.
Since prevention and early detection is key, 30 common ailments will be part of mandatory screening of newborns. Congenital cataracts, congenital hypothyroidism, heart defects and deafness are just some of the birth defects that will be screened. Developmental delays and other disabilities that will be monitored include iron deficiency anemia, goiter and malnutrition. To facilitate the process and provide immediate access to health care services, the screening will be done at the same places where the babies are being delivered.
Each year, 1.7 million Indian babies are born with birth defects. These result in deaths of 9% of newborn children.
Mobile clinics
These health care services will be provided through mobile clinics that will be deployed in every block twice a year to provide the screening of children 0-6 years old. These health centers will have both a male and female doctor, plus a trained nurse and also a pharmacist.
Children found to need more intensive care, such as those requiring some surgery and other continuous care will be referred to tertiary health care facilities.
Sonia’s work
Sonia Gandhi is the widow of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Having served the United Progressive Alliance since 2004, she is now the longest serving president of the Congress party. In 2010, Forbes Magazine named her the ninth most powerful person on the planet.
Photo Credit: Sonia Gandhi
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