The government has launched a groundbreaking program to provide free medical services to children born with congenital physical anomalies and diseases. This initiative aims to ensure that affected children can lead normal lives through enhanced healthcare services. The significant announcement was made today by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at the Agartala Government Nursing College auditorium. The event marked the inauguration of a state-wide heart disease detection camp organized by the National Health Mission Tripura Branch in collaboration with Apollo Children’s Hospital.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), initiated in 2014. The program focuses on the early detection and treatment of children suffering from congenital physical anomalies, internal defects, developmental defects, and physical disabilities. Prof. Saha emphasized that the RBSK operates with 48 dedicated mobile health teams across the state, screening children from birth to six years old at Anganwadi centers and those aged six to eighteen in schools.
The dedicated mobile health teams in Tripura provide primary care and, when necessary, surgical intervention for children born with various birth defects, including congenital heart disease, hearing impairment, clubfoot, visual impairment, and neural tube defects. Currently, the state boasts three Early Intervention Centers located in Gomti, Dhalai, and Unkoti districts, with plans to establish additional centers in West Tripura district.
Additional speakers at the event included 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; and CS Muthukumaran, Pediatric Cardiologist of Apollo Children’s Hospital. Rajeev Dutta, Director of the National Health Mission Tripura Branch, delivered the welcome speech, while Apollo Hospital CEO V. Nabin also attended.
During the event, six beneficiaries of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram shared their experiences, and an informative documentary film was screened to provide further insight into the program’s impact.
