RashtriyaBalSwasthyaKaryakram (RBSK) was launched in February, 2013 under National Rural Health Mission.  This initiative aims to screen and manage children from birth to 18 years of age for Defects at Birth, Deficiencies, Diseases and Developmental Delays including disabilities. Around 27 crore children would be covered in a phased manner.  

Under this initiative, all newborns delivered at public health facilities and homes are screened for birth defects by health personnel and ASHA. The children in the age group of six weeks to six years include those attending  Anganwadicentres and children in the age group of 6 years to 18 years enrolled in government and government aided schools are screened by dedicated Mobile Block Health Teams consisting of two AYUSH doctors (one male and one female), one ANM and one pharmacist. The children identified with any health condition are then referred to an appropriate health facility for further management and linking with tertiary level institutions. The establishment of District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) is also one of the components of the RBSK.

During the financial year 2013-14 a total of Rs. 1176.37 crorehas been allocated for implementation of RBSK programme.

State/UT-wise budget allocated/released for the programme during the financial year 2013-14 is given below:

The programme is monitored through the Health Management Information System of NHM and periodic visits to the states by central and state level teams.

The Health Minister stated this in a written reply in the LokSabha here today.

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MV/BK