Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka, led by the Congress party, declared on Thursday that it will establish District Early Intervention Centres (DEIC) throughout the state's districts by the next year, aiming to aid children with disabilities. Minister of Health, Dinesh Gundu Rao, made this announcement during a session in the Legislative Assembly, addressing a question posed by Congress MLA Prakash Koliwad.

Rao elaborated that the Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) initiative is dedicated to the early screening and intervention of children facing disabilities and health complications. The establishment of DEIC centres is designed to identify and provide treatment for children experiencing developmental delays and health issues at an early age.

These centres are set to include a diverse team of specialists, such as paediatricians, nurses, cardiologists, and ophthalmologists, with some centres also employing psychologists to offer tailored support. The government is committed to expanding this program across the state, ensuring that every district has its own centre.

“Currently, there are 17 operational DEIC centres in Karnataka, with an additional one opening soon in Koppal. We are determined to have these centres in every district, as early intervention is crucial for positively influencing the future of these children,” the minister stated.

Rao recognized MLA Koliwad for raising this significant issue within the Assembly.

Koliwad emphasized the necessity of DEIC centres and mentioned the discrepancy between the estimated and registered numbers of specially-abled children. “A survey indicates that approximately 6.3% of children in Karnataka are specially-abled. However, in my Ranibennur constituency, only 137 children are officially registered, while estimates suggest there should be about 18,000 children in need of support,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that Haveri district lacks a DEIC centre, and no proposals for its establishment have been approved yet.

“Many children, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, face challenges in accessing medical assistance without these centres. I’ve witnessed instances where children are left to fend for themselves on the streets,” Koliwad said.

Sharing a personal note, he mentioned that his daughter is specially-abled, underscoring the neglect in this sector. He urged the government to prioritize the establishment of a DEIC centre in Haveri district.

Koliwad further stated that under the RBSK initiative, thousands of children have been identified as needing support, yet many must travel to cities like Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga for treatment.

He called for the introduction of tele-therapy and tele-counseling services at the taluk level, advocating for the integration of specially-abled children into digital tracking systems.

“This approach will enable the government to better understand their requirements and guarantee they receive the necessary support, ensuring healthier futures for the upcoming generations,” he concluded.