A.P. govt. launches comprehensive health screening drive for children
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive health screening for children in the State under the Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram. The initiative aims to
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive health screening for children in the State under the Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram. The initiative aims to identify health issues at an early stage and initiate the required treatment free of cost. Speaking after launching the programme at the Tribal Ashram High School at Musurumilli in Polavaram district on Thursday, Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav said the students can excel in their academics only if they are healthy. “Keeping this in mind, the State government has adopted a proactive approach rather than responding to an illness after it is surfaces,” the Minister said.
Under the programme, 6,265,410 children would be screened, of which 2,095,129 are under the age of six and attend anganwadis, while 4,170,281 children fall in the age group of 6 to 18 studying in government and aided schools. According to a release issued by the Health Department, these screenings would identify 38 types of health issues among children, including congenital defects, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and mental health issues and sleep disorders. The Minister noted that early detection and treatment of conditions such as congenital heart defects, cleft lip and palate, congenital leg deformities, and neurological issues can prevent future complications, including permanent disabilities.
Those found with health issues would be referred to the government hospitals nearby. Eye screening Moreover, a special initiative has been launched to detect vision problems in children. The target is to conduct eye screenings for 43.30 lakh students across the State, the Minister said, adding that the government has earmarked ₹7 crore for distributing spectacles to 2.50 lakh students. Noting that adolescents undergo not only physical changes but also face several emotional and psychological challenges, the Minister said the government is strengthening Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).
Under this programme, 1,317 adolescent-friendly health clinics (AFHCs) are functioning, where 61,556 trained peer educators have been working. Director of Public Health Dr. K. Padmavathi, Health Mission State Project Manager J. Vijayalakshmi, RBSK State Coordinator Subramanyam, Polavaram District Collector Dinesh Kumar and others took part in the programme.
The BriefWire