Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram 2.0
About RBSK
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a program to improve the overall quality of life of children and provide comprehensive care to all the children in the community.
- It was launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- This program involves screening of children from birth to 18 years of age for four Ds – Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Development delays, spanning 32 common health conditions for early detection and free treatment and management, including surgeries at tertiary level.
- Children diagnosed with identified health conditions are provided early intervention services and follow-up care at the district level.
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines expanding its scope to address emerging child health priorities.
- The updated framework reinforces and broadens the established 4Ds approach – Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Developmental Delays, while incorporating new-age health challenges including non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions, and behavioural concerns.
- Revised guidelines introduce a comprehensive preventive, promotive and curative continuum of care, strengthening the programme’s existing lifecycle-based approach covering children from birth to 18 years, with increased focus on digitalization.
- A key feature of RBSK 2.0 is the expanded screening scope, covering a wider range of conditions including developmental disorders, mental health issues, and risk factors for non-communicable diseases.