Government’s Initiative to Improve Healthcare for Children with Congenital Conditions

AGARTALA, July 5, 2024 — In a landmark move to enhance healthcare for children born with congenital anomalies, the government has launched a state-wide heart disease detection camp. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha at the Agartala Government Nursing College auditorium during the event organized by the National Health Mission Tripura Branch in partnership with Apollo Children’s Hospital.

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram: A Focus on Early Detection

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which has been operational since 2014. This program targets the early identification of congenital physical anomalies, internal defects, developmental defects, and physical disabilities in children. Currently, RBSK operates with 48 mobile health teams across Tripura, screening children from birth to six years old at Anganwadi centres and those aged six to eighteen in schools.

“The early detection and timely intervention can drastically improve the quality of life for children with congenital anomalies,” stated Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha.

Services Provided by Dedicated Mobile Health Teams

The dedicated mobile health teams in Tripura offer primary care and, where necessary, facilitate surgical interventions for various birth defects, including:

• Congenital Heart Disease
• Hearing Impairment
• Clubfoot
• Visual Impairment
• Neural Tube Defects

Expansion of Early Intervention Centers

Currently, there are three Early Intervention Centers in the districts of GomAti, Dhalai, and Unkoti. Plans are underway to establish additional centers in the West Tripura district to broaden the reach of these essential services.

Voices from the Event

In addition to the Chief Minister, the event saw key speeches from:

• Bramhit Kaur, Additional Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department
• Prof. Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, Director of Health Department
• Prof. Dr. HP Sharma, Director of Medical Education
• CS Muthukumaran, Pediatric Cardiologist of Apollo Children’s Hospital

Rajeev Dutta, Director of the National Health Mission Tripura Branch, provided the welcome address, while Apollo Hospital CEO V Nabin was also in attendance.

Impact of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

Six beneficiaries of the RBSK program shared their life-changing experiences during the event. An informative documentary was also screened to highlight the program’s success and its critical role in improving healthcare outcomes for children with congenital conditions.

For more updates and details on the program, visit National Health Mission Tripura.

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