Latest news with #RBSK
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Awareness prog on clubfoot conducted
Kurnool: As part of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), an awareness programme on congenital deformities like clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus) was conducted at the District Early Intervention Centre of the Government General Hospital, Kurnool, on Monday morning. Addressing the occasion, Dr Sreeramulu, Deputy Superintendent of the hospital, emphasized the need for parental awareness regarding children's physical development. He pointed out that early identification and timely intervention are crucial in managing conditions like clubfoot. He explained the medical and surgical options available for children born with such deformities. Dr Srinivasulu, Head of the Orthopedic Department, noted that parents often worry about various developmental issues in children but tend to ignore some as minor or temporary. Due to a lack of awareness, many parents fail to recognize serious conditions like clubfoot early. As a result, delays in treatment can deprive children of a joyful and active childhood. He highlighted that this condition, if diagnosed early, can often be corrected through surgery or even without surgical intervention. He advised parents to consult doctors without delay if they notice their child struggling to walk, falling frequently, or having difficulty running. Dr Anand Prakash, a pediatric specialist, stated that clubfoot is a congenital condition with no single known cause. However, genetic factors, intrauterine pressure, maternal habits like alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy, and other health complications can increase the risk of a child being born with clubfoot. Dr Shailesh, In-Charge Program Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), informed that CURE International India Trust provides free treatment for children with clubfoot in the district. He also added that the trust offers free orthopedic shoes to children undergoing treatment. For assistance, he advised parents to contact Kurnool Help Line CURE India Counselor Reshma at 8800015588 or the Andhra Pradesh State Helpline at 8800020503. This initiative aims to raise awareness and ensure timely medical support for children suffering from congenital deformities, contributing to a healthier childhood and better quality of life.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
PSLSA forms monitoring committees for screening of children with disabilities in Mohali
Mohali: The Punjab State Legal Services Authority (PSLSA) has set up monitoring committees at both district and taluka levels across Mohali to ensure the effective implementation of welfare schemes for children with disabilities. These committees have been formed in collaboration with the health department and other key stakeholders under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) scheme. The move comes in compliance with directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana high court and under the guidance of Justice B V Nagaratha, chairperson of the juvenile justice committee, Supreme Court. The office of the member secretary, PSLSA, Mohali, issued the formal order for the formation of these committees. The objective of these committees is to supervise and monitor the identification and screening of children with disabilities, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the various state and central government welfare schemes. For Mohali district, the committee is headed by the District and Sessions Judge-cum-chairperson, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). Other members include the district magistrate, secretary of DLSA, civil surgeon, district education officer (secondary), district social security officer, district child protection officer, and the chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Mohali. In the sub-division of Derabassi, the committee is chaired by the Additional Civil Judge (senior division)-cum-chairperson, Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee (SDLSC), along with the sub-divisional magistrate, senior medical officer, block education officer (elementary), and the child development and protection officer/social security officer. Similarly, in the sub-division of Kharar, the committee is headed by the Additional Civil Judge (senior division)-cum-chairperson, SDLSC, and includes the SDM, senior medical officer, block education officer (elementary), and the child development and protection officer/social security member officer. These committees are tasked with ensuring that all eligible children in the district receive the full range of benefits available under the RBSK scheme and other relevant welfare programmes. By facilitating coordinated efforts among departments, the initiative aims to uphold the rights and dignity of children with disabilities and ensure their inclusion in mainstream education, healthcare, and social protection systems.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
AD visits DEIC, reviews child healthcare services under RBSK
Anantapur: Dr K V N S Anil Kumar, Additional Director of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, visited the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) in Anantapur today. Operating under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), the DEIC provides early diagnosis and therapeutic services to children with developmental delays and disabilities. During the visit, Dr. Anil Kumar inspected treatment rooms and therapy units, and interacted with the medical staff. He appreciated the quality of services being rendered and suggested several improvements to further enhance the quality of care. Proposal for setting up a sensory garden for children with developmental delays. Installation of CCTV cameras to improve security. Child-friendly wall paintings to create a pleasant environment. Air conditioners to be installed in key rooms including. Optometrist Room (ROP screening), Audiologist Room (for BERA testing), Immediate plumbing repairs and maintenance of windows and doors, Recommendation to allocate shelter/waiting rooms for children coming from distant areas. Dr. G. Narayana Swamy, RBSK District Program Officer, mentioned the need for additional support staff including an attendant, sweeper, and data entry operator. Dr. Anil Kumar advised the team to send a proposal for recruitment. District Medical and Health Officer Dr. E.B. Devi stated that the visit would pave the way for improved service quality and a more supportive environment for children with special needs. The visit concluded with the participation of Immunization Officer Dr. Yugandhar, DPMO Dr. Srinivas Reddy, District Nodal Officer Dr. Vishnumurthy, Medical Officer Dr. Jagadeesh, Program Manager Smt. Rajitha, and other staff members.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
India requires a social model of epilepsy care within school health programmes: experts
Studies show that about 10 million people in India live with epilepsy. A significant portion of these cases, over 60%, begin in childhood. According to a study published in The Lancet, a 2021 review conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNESCO, which evaluated 87 school health interventions across Southeast Asia, found that none of these programmes addressed epilepsy. This omission is particularly concerning in the Indian context, where epilepsy is officially recognised as one of the 23 health conditions covered under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), the country's flagship national school health initiative. The stark disconnect between policy and practice stresses the need for better systemic measures to address chronic neurological conditions within existing child health frameworks, say experts. Despite its official inclusion, epilepsy is rarely identified or followed up during school health screenings. Unlike conditions such as anaemia, vision problems, or nutritional deficiencies routinely addressed in the school ecosystem -- epilepsy remains off the radar for most frontline health workers and educators. The result is a missed opportunity for early detection, intervention, and long-term support for thousands of children. What the study did Addressing this critical gap, a multi-year, field-based study was conducted by a team of neurologists and public health experts at a few sites in Punjab -- the study aimed not only to introduce epilepsy care into routine school health systems, but also to understand the barriers -- structural, social, and educational -- that hinder its recognition and management. 'Epilepsy is very common during childhood, particularly in India, due to birth complications and infections,' explained Gagandeep Singh, professor & head, neurology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, and principal investigator of the study. Yet, children with epilepsy often go undiagnosed or receive delayed care, as seizures are either missed or misinterpreted. A major concern, as Dr. Singh pointed out, is the stigma and fear surrounding the condition. 'Children are being pulled out of schools,' he said. 'Either their parents are afraid, or teachers are unsure how to respond to a seizure episode.' The study panel also documented several cases where children faced social exclusion, bullying, or were forced to drop out following a visible seizure in class. The emotional and educational toll is significant, he pointed out. One of the most significant findings was the lack of any standardised screening or referral mechanism for epilepsy under RBSK. Sulena S., professor, neurology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, the only government-appointed neurologist in Punjab and a lead member of the study said that while other conditions had checklists or standard operating procedures, epilepsy was relegated to anecdotal detection -- if at all. Despite the systemic gaps, Dr. Sulena observed a strong willingness to learn among the RBSK workforce. The team designed a comprehensive training strategy targeting all stakeholders -- RBSK medical officers, school nurses, ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, and teachers. The training focused on recognising common types of seizures, understanding what epilepsy is (and is not), learning appropriate first aid during a seizure, and most importantly, breaking down harmful myths. In several regions, epilepsy is still seen as a contagious or psychological condition -- beliefs that exacerbate stigma and delay care. Recommendations and interventions To enable sustained change, the team developed educational modules specifically designed for diverse frontline workers and educators. 'We created an ecosystem by involving every stakeholder,' said Dr. Sulena. The intervention included blended learning formats-- offline workshops, digital videos, illustrated flipbooks, and community outreach sessions. Modules covered seizure identification, myths and facts, psychosocial support, referral pathways, and classroom emergency response. One of the standout tools was an emergency response card that could be kept in classrooms -- an easy-to-use guide for teachers during a seizure episode. Sheffali Gulati, professor and child neurologist, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi emphasised that the introduction of seizure diaries -- designed to be visual, simple, and interactive -- as a critical step in tracking the frequency and nature of seizure episodes in children. 'These diaries help children living with epilepsy and their parents,' noted Dr. Gulati. She also pointed out that emergency care procedures, such as CPR and seizure first aid, offer multiple benefits and are valuable for everyone -- not just individuals within the epilepsy community. Impact and future possibilities Early results from the pilot sites have been encouraging according to the study panel. Teachers have reported greater comfort in managing seizures. Parents have shown improved follow-through with referrals. And, importantly, more children with suspected epilepsy are entering the formal care system rather than falling through the cracks. The research team is now working on a mobile application to further support awareness, early detection, and continued learning. The app will include multimedia learning materials for children, families, and community workers, along with referral mapping tools to locate nearby neurology support. This initiative is part of a broader multi-centre project with three operational field sites and two advisory centres. The aim is to create a replicable, scalable model that integrates epilepsy into the national school health architecture as a core priority. Bridging health and education for inclusive care 'For childhood epilepsy management, we must create a strong ecosystem where all stakeholders -- schools, parents, health workers -- work together,' emphasised Dr. Sulena. The findings make it clear: epilepsy cannot remain a hidden condition in India's school health narrative. The study's key takeaway is not just the need for awareness, but the importance of dismantling the silos between education and health systems, said doctors. Without that integration, children living with epilepsy risk being left out of both learning and care.
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Call to avail free medical treatment for children
Ongole: Prakasam district collector A Thameem Ansariya has urged the public to utilise the free treatment services offered to children under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). On Wednesday, the collector inaugurated a Hand Portable X-Ray Unit at the District Child Health Centre in Government General Hospital (GGH), Ongole. She also launched a screening campaign for cleft lip, cleft palate, and dental abnormalities, conducted in collaboration with Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Medical College and Smile Train Foundation. Speaking at the programme, Ansariya interacted with parents of children affected by cleft lip and palate conditions, enquiring about their situations. Medical professionals briefed the collector about surgical procedures and associated costs for treating these conditions. The collector said that 30 children with cleft lip and palate conditions have been identified in the district under the RBSK. A screening camp was organised at GGH Ongole in collaboration with Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Medical College and Smile Train Foundation to prepare these children for surgical interventions. She emphasised that all surgeries would be performed free of cost and explained that each surgery typically costs around Rs 50,000, with most patients requiring three surgeries totalling between Rs 1.5 and 2 lakh. She added that post-surgical speech therapy and dental alignment would also be provided to the children. She encouraged families with children having cleft lip and palate conditions to take advantage of these services. Mentioning that staff had received training to operate the Hand Portable X-Ray Unit at GGH, the collector noted that approximately 100 X-rays could be performed daily using this unit. Additionally, the district collector inaugurated a Dermato Surgery Unit at the hospital. District Medical and Health Officer Dr Venkateswara Rao, GGH Superintendent Dr Jamuna, Cleft Project Smile Train Project Director Dr Srikanth, Dr Sudha Nageswara Rao from Siddhartha Dental College, and other medical professionals from GGH Ongole attendedthe programme.
