Car Nicobar, May 20: The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a programme to improve the overall quality of life of children and provide comprehensive care to all the children in the community. This programme involves screening of children from birth to 18 years of age for four D’s- Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Development delays for early detection, treatment and management.

Under the aegis of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, the RBSK (Nicobar) team comprising of Dr. Deepika Sharma, Medical Officer (Ayurveda-RBSK), Dr. Jiji Paul, Medical Officer (Homoeo-RBSK), Shri Arun Kumar (Male Nurse-RBSK), Ms. Selina (Pharmacist-RBSK), Shri Brij Mangal Rai (Psychiatric Social Worker) along with Shri Gourav Dhamija (Special Educator) conducted four D’s screening of all the children at Schools and Anganwadi Centres in Campbell Bay from 02nd  week of April 2024 to 01st  week of May, 2024.

The team was also accompanied by Dr. Veerender Sandhu Singh, Dental Surgeon, PHC Campbell Bay. The children diagnosed with any issue or diseases were immediately referred to PHC Campbell Bay for proper treatment and management by which they can lead a healthier life ahead.

Along with the screening, the team has also conducted National Birth Defect awareness programme, in which, the parents were briefed about the birth defects and other nutritional deficiencies.

A training was also imparted by the RBSK (N) team on Peer Education for Adolescents, ASHA, ANMs and selected Peer Educators in the training hall of PHC Campbell Bay.

The RBSK (N) team along with Dr. Juliet James, Medical Officer (I/c), PHC Campbell Bay, Nursing Officer & Mukhya Sevika also visited the tribal areas Makachua, Pulo Panja & Afra Bay and conducted screening of children, thereby providing the health services and creating awareness among the mass even in the remotest areas.

The RBSK (N) team through early identification of various health condition assured linkage to care, support and early treatment introduces equitable child health care approach which will, in the long run, reduce expenditures & burden of disease, improve awareness and promote health and development among children.