The Indian government has overhauled its flagship child health screening programme, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), launching RBSK 2.0 with an expanded scope to address rising concerns like mental health issues and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Released by the Union Health Ministry at the National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery, the updated guidelines extend preventive, promotive, and curative care from birth to 18 years, building on the original “4Ds” framework: defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays, while incorporating behavioural disorders, lifestyle risks such as diabetes and hypertension, and kidney conditions.
Mobile health teams will intensify screenings at anganwadi centres and schools for broader outreach, supported by digital health cards, real-time data systems, and integrated platforms to track progress and ensure continuity of care. Strengthened referral pathways link community-level detection to facility-based treatment, minimizing dropouts through robust follow-up mechanisms.
This digital focus aligns with India’s broader health tech push, aiming to improve early intervention amid growing child obesity and NCD risks. The revamp responds to emerging challenges like mental health conditions and early NCD indicators, which have surged post-pandemic, positioning RBSK as a comprehensive tool for holistic child wellness up to age 18. Officials expect nationwide implementation to yield better health outcomes by enabling timely referrals and sustained monitoring.
After over a decade, this upgrade marks a proactive shift toward tackling lifestyle diseases in younger populations.
