Gujarat launches health check-up initiative for 1 crore children

Gandhinagar : Government of Gujarat has initiated a statewide health screening initiative for schoolchildren under the aegis of the Shala Arogya-National Child Health Programme (SHRBSK). This unique campaign kicked off on the first day of the 20th Shala Praveshotsav, June 12, 2023, and will continue for the next 30 days. During the 20th Shala Praveshotsav, the government plans to conduct health checks on more than 1 crore schoolchildren.

SHRBSK is a joint Federal-State programme that serves kids from birth through high school. It includes kids in Anganwadi centres, kids in elementary schools, kids in middle schools, and kids in high schools. Free health screenings for conditions including anaemia, malnutrition, skin infections, cognitive difficulties, and developmental delays are provided by the state government via this programme. It’s worth noting that Gujarat is one of the states that has made the most progress in implementing SHRBSK.

992 mobile health teams of SHRBSK to conduct health-checkup of children

992 mobile health teams (one mobile health team will include doctors, pharmacists, and health workers) of the Shala Arogya-National Child Health Program (SHRBSK) will conduct health check-ups of the students studying in state.

Children diagnosed with ailments during the campaign will receive free treatment at government health institutions, including Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers, District hospitals, medical college hospitals, and super specialty hospitals.

Digital Health Card: Monitoring Student’s Nutrition Level and Cognitive Development

The state government has decided to issue a ‘Digital Health Card’ for Monitoring Students’ Nutrition Level and Cognitive Development. This “Digital Health Card” will provide insights into various health parameters like height, anemia levels, nutrition status, etc.

SHRBSK Mobile Health Teams and Community Health Officers will coordinate with school nodal officers to update students’ health details on the digital health card, which will be accessible to both students and parents. Gujarat is the first and only state in the country to implement digital health cards for monitoring the cognitive development and nutritional status of school children. Additionally, the nodal teacher and community health officer will collaborate to facilitate Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID) work for all students during the campaign.

Report Cards to integrate academic and health reports

In a one of its kind initiative, the Government of Gujarat is integrating health and academic reports. This integration of data between the Health and Education Departments aims to ensure the holistic growth and development of every student.  Health check-ups of school children will be done every three months from this year to have accurate information about the health of the students throughout the year. After this, the final health report will be mentioned in the mark sheets/report cards of the students.

Gujarat is the only state in India to adopt this practice, prioritizing the comprehensive well-being of its students.

The government of Gujarat remains committed to the health and overall development of its young population, striving to create a conducive environment for their academic success and overall well-being.