Almost 4.9 Lakh Children Receive Health Checkups in Sabarkantha, Gujarat
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Synopsis
In Sabarkantha, Gujarat, nearly 4.9 lakh children received health screenings through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), with significant findings in heart disease, kidney issues, and malnutrition. Awareness programs for adolescent health were also implemented.
Key Takeaways
- 4,89,722 children screened under RBSK.
- 183 cases of heart disease identified.
- 50 children received free surgeries.
- Malnutrition affects over 5.70 lakh children.
- Decrease in stunting from 53.6% to 40.8%.
Sabarkantha, March 4 (NationPress) Close to 4,89,722 school-aged children have participated in health screenings over the last year as part of the government’s Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district.
Officials reported that twenty-nine medical teams visited numerous educational facilities, including primary and secondary schools and Anganwadi centres, to facilitate early disease detection and treatment among children.
During these health assessments, 183 children were identified with heart conditions, of which 50 received surgical intervention at no charge under government programs, while the others are receiving care as per specialist advice.
Furthermore, 48 children were diagnosed with kidney issues, 34 with cancer, and 15 with congenital spinal disorders, all of whom were referred to appropriate medical facilities for further care.
Among the diagnosed cases, 39 children were found to have cleft lip and palate issues. To date, 11 have successfully undergone corrective surgeries, while the remaining will receive treatment at the right age. Additionally, 40 children were diagnosed with clubfoot; 37 have already received effective treatment through plastering and surgery, enabling them to lead normal lives.
The remaining three children continue to receive medical care.
In addition to physical health assessments, the RBSK teams have been instrumental in promoting awareness of adolescent health topics such as menstrual hygiene, weekly iron-folic acid supplementation, mental health, handwashing techniques, and addiction-free lifestyles. These awareness initiatives were conducted across schools to enhance overall well-being.
The teams also visited hospitals to conduct immediate health screenings for newborns, ensuring early detection of congenital diseases and necessary treatments. Malnutrition continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Gujarat, impacting a large number of children under five.
Data from the Gujarat Assembly indicates that over 5.70 lakh children in the state are malnourished, with approximately 4.38 lakh classified as underweight and 1.31 lakh as severely underweight.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows a slight increase in the prevalence of stunting in Gujarat from 38.5 percent to 39 percent, severe wasting from 9.5 percent to 10.6 percent, and underweight from 39.3 percent to 39.7 percent. Additionally, data from NITI Aayog reveals that nearly 40 percent of children under five in Gujarat are underweight, underscoring the state's ongoing struggle with malnutrition. Despite these challenges, there are signs of improvement.
The proportion of stunted children has decreased from 53.6 percent in October 2022 to 40.8 percent in October 2024, representing a reduction of 12.8 percentage points over two years. However, cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) have increased, with 9,606 cases reported in 2020-21, 13,048 in 2021-22, and 18,978 in 2022-23.
