Maharashtra’s statewide child health screening initiative under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) kicks off today, March 1, aiming to provide comprehensive medical examinations to over 1.66 crore children across the state. This ambitious program is designed to facilitate early detection and treatment of health conditions, ensuring improved healthcare access for children from infancy to adolescence.
The initiative is officially being inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar at Indira Gandhi Model School, Aundh, Pune. The event is attended by elected representatives, including MLAs, Zilla Parishad (ZP) members, and local officials, alongside senior administrators from the Public Health Department, Education Department, and other key government bodies. High-ranking health officials, including health secretaries, health commissioners, district collectors, and divisional commissioners, are also present to oversee the launch.
The campaign is being implemented through a collaborative effort involving the Public Health Department, Education Department, Tribal Development Department, Urban Development Department, and Integrated Child Development Department. Authorities have ensured that the initiative is reaching all levels—state, district, and taluka—allowing for extensive coverage. Thousands of children, particularly those in government and government-aided schools and Anganwadi centers, are being screened. The program is set to examine 14 lakh students from 6,000 schools and 20 lakh children from 30,000 Anganwadis over the coming weeks.
The screening drive is actively identifying health concerns among children aged 0 to 18 years, providing them with free medical and surgical treatment if required. According to the Public Health Department, children diagnosed with medical conditions are being directed to government hospitals and empaneled healthcare facilities under RBSK and the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) for further care. The goal is to ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention, preventing long-term health complications.
As part of today’s screenings, children are undergoing full-body medical check-ups, including height and weight assessment, BMI evaluation (for those above six years), systemic clinical examinations, and vital signs monitoring. The program is also actively detecting congenital disabilities and various health conditions such as anaemia, vision impairment, goitre, dental issues, heart diseases, tuberculosis, leprosy, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, and other critical illnesses.
Beyond basic health assessments, the initiative is also placing a strong emphasis on specialized medical needs. Children showing signs of autism or developmental delays are being referred to District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) for therapy. Additionally, students with learning disabilities or mental health concerns are receiving counselling and appropriate medical attention. The program is also prioritizing adolescent health, focusing on physical and mental well-being, and referring children for counselling and treatment where necessary.
With the launch of this massive health drive today, Maharashtra is taking a proactive step in ensuring the well-being of its children. By detecting health issues at an early stage and providing free treatment, the government is making quality healthcare accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. The initiative is expected to make a long-term impact on child health outcomes, creating a healthier future for Maharashtra’s younger generation
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