Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is one of its kind program to improve the overall quality of life of children enabling all children achieve their full potential; and also provide comprehensive care to all the children in the community.

This program involves screening of children from birth to 18 years of age for 4 Ds- Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Development delays, spanning 32 common health conditions for early detection and free treatment and management, including surgeries at tertiary level.

Children diagnosed with identified selected health conditions are provided early intervention services and follow-up care at the district level. These services are provided free of cost, thus helping their families reduce out of pocket expenditure incurred on the treatment.

Screening:

• First level screening: Done by medical officers, staff nurses, and ANMs, at all the places where deliveries are conducted.
• Second level screening (after 48 hours, up to 6 weeks): Done by ASHA at home as a part of the Home Based New-born Care (HBNC) package.

The target groups are divided into three groups based on age:

1. Newborn to 6 weeks
2. 6 weeks to 6 years
3. 6 years to 18 years

They screen all the babies born at public health facilities and at home, preschool children in rural areas and urban slums, and children up to 12th grade enrolled in government schools.