OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Child Health Screening and
Early Intervention Services under NRHM

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Government of India

FEBRUARY, 2013

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Child Health Screening and
Early Intervention Services under NRHM

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Government of India
FEBRUARY, 2013

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | iii

Message
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a new initiative aimed at screening
over 27 crore children from 0 to 18 years for 4 Ds - Defects at birth, Diseases,
Deficiencies and Development Delays including Disabilities. Children diagnosed
with illnesses shall receive follow up including surgeries at tertiary level, free of
cost under NRHM.
The task is gigantic but quite possible, through the systematic approach that
RBSK envisages. Implemented in right earnest, it would yield rich dividends in
protecting and promoting the health of our children. I sincerely hope that the
States would accord utmost priority to it and thereby improve both survival and
development of children.
NRHM exemplifies a strong partnership between Central and State
Governments and together we must ensure that flexibility to funding under
the Mission is well utilized for prioritizing high impact health interventions.
RBSK also signals a leap forward in the direction of universal health care with
precedence accorded to those segments of population who need it first of all.
I am confident that RBSK together with several other reproductive and child
health initiatives under NRHM would bring long term health benefits to women
and children.

Ghulam Nabi Azad

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India
New Delhi

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Foreword
Significant progress has been made in reducing mortality in children. Further
gains are possible by extending early detection and management of health
conditions in children. With improvements in health care and intensive care
facilities, the incidence of survival of infants with birth defects and inborn
errors of metabolism is now showing an upward trend. Moreover, burden due
to non-communicable diseases, many of which set in early in life, is projected
to increase substantially in India unless timely and appropriate interventions are
made.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the National Rural Health Mission
has launched the Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services, a
systemic approach of early identification and link to care, support and treatment
to meet these challenges. It is estimated that about 270 million children
including the newborn and those attending Angawadi Centers and Government
schools will be benefitted through this programme.
Any effective health intervention will reduce both direct costs and out-of-pocket
expenditure. Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services also aims at
reducing the extent of disability, at improving the quality of life and enabling all
persons to achieve their full potential.
The key feature of the Services is the continuum of care extending over
different phases of the life of a child over the first 18 years. The framework
highlights in detail the roles and responsibilities of all functionaries involved
in the programme across different levels. It is imperative that these roles and
responsibilities are diligently followed in order to achieve the desired outcome
not only in terms of improved collective human potential of the nation but also
in reducing individual risk factors, morbidity and mortality.
These Operational Guidelines have been evolved to serve as a handbook and a
resource for Program Managers for effective planning and implementation. I am
certain that these guidelines will prove to be useful at the Block level which is
deemed to be the hub of the programme.

Keshav Desiraju
Secretary, Health & Family Welfare
Government of India
New Delhi

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Preface
We owe it to the children of our country to protect and promote their health.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a new initiative in this direction
which seeks to put together a systematic approach to child health screening
and early intervention. It is well-known that the early years of a childs life are
most critical for both survival and development and yet currently, there is no
approach to screen structured children, identify health conditions warranting
medical attention and ensure early intervention.
There is an unacceptably high incidence of birth defects, deficiencies, diseases
specific to childhood and developmental disorders including disabilities in
India and it is high time we started to pay attention to their early detection and
intervention.
As per available estimates, 6% of children are born with birth defects, 10%
children are affected with development delays leading to disabilities. This
translates into more than 15 lakh new-borns with birth defects annually.
Further, 4% of under-five mortality and 10% of neonatal mortality is attributed
to birth defects.
Needless to say, that dividends of early intervention would be huge including
improvement of survival outcome, reduction of malnutrition prevalence,
enhancement of cognitive development and educational attainment and overall
improvement of quality of life of our citizens. Bringing down both out of pocket
expenses on belated treatment of diseases / disabilities (many of which become
highly debilitating and incurable) and avoidable pressure on health system on
account of their management are among obvious benefits.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram aims to roll out to over 27 crore children
from 0-18 years of age. Screening of the new-born, both at public health
facilities and at home, is an important component of the strategy. Regular
health screening of pre-school children upto 6 years of age using Aganwadis
as a platform is another essential component. Moreover, children from 6 to 18
years of age studying in Government and Government aided schools would
also receive regular health check-ups. All those children who may be diagnosed
for any of the 30 illnesses would receive follow-up referral support and
treatment includingsurgical interventions at tertiary level free of cost under this
programme.

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There is no doubt that early identification of select health conditions and their
linkage to care, support and treatment through child health screening and early
intervention services will help us achieve equitable child health care. In the
long run, the programme would bring social and economic gains, particularly
for the poor and marginalized, by reducing out of pocket expenditure, burden
of diseases, improving health awareness among community, improving
professionalism in service delivery and finally strengthening the public sector
hospitals. This would thus lead to promotion of health among children which is
of fundamental value and an end in itself.
These Operational Guidelines seek to provide guidance for effective planning
and systematic implementation of a programme of gigantic magnitude. The
guidelines dwell on the process of identification and management of select
prevalent conditions of huge public health significance in India.
I am confident that RBSK would turn out to be a milestone in quest for
child health and that States/UTs would do all that is necessary to ensure its
implementation in right earnest.

Anuradha Gupta
Additional Secretary & Mission Director
National Rural Health Mission
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India
New Delhi

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | ix

Prologue
The National Rural Health Mission is launching a new initiative of Rashtriya Bal
Swasthya Karyakram, a Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services
Programme to provide comprehensive care to all the children in the community.
The objective of this initiative is to improve the overall quality of life of children
through early detection of birth Defects, Diseases, Deficiencies, Development
Delays and Disability. The high burden of these childhood ill health contributes
significantly to child mortality, morbidity and out of pocket expenditure of the
poor families.
Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services envisage to cover 30
identified health conditions for early detection, free treatment and management
through dedicated mobile health teams placed in every block in the country.
The teams will carry out screening of all children in the pre-school age enrolled
at Anganwadi centres at least twice a year besides screening of all children
studying in Government and Government aided schools, whereas the newborns
will be screened for birth defects in health facilities by service providers
and during the home visits by ASHAs. District Early Intervention Centres are
planned to be set up as first referral point for further investigation, treatment
and management. Tertiary care centre would be roped in for management
of complicated cases requiring high-end medical care and treatment. This
herculean effort is ultimately targeted to benefit more than 27 crore children
annually in a phased manner in the country.
I am confident that the well-conceived operational guidelines on Child Health
Screening and early Intervention Services will prove to be a step towards
achieving Universal Health Coverage in the country.
I wish success and pledge my unstinting support towards implementation of this
initiative.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar

Joint Secretary, RCH
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India
New Delhi

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Contributors
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Ms. Anuradha Gupta (Additional Secretary & Mission Director, NRHM)
Dr. Rakesh Kumar (Joint Secretary, RCH)
Dr. Ajay Khera (Deputy Commissioner)
Dr. Subha Sankar Das (Consultant)
Dr. Manpreet Khurmi (Consultant)
Dr. Anubhav Srivastava (Consultant)

Experts
Dr. Arun Kumar Singh (Senior Advisor)
Dr. Harish Kumar, NIPI
Dr. V. K Anand, UNICEF
Dr. N. K Arora, INCLEN
Dr. Subodh Gupta, MGIMS, Wardha
Dr. Neena Raina, RA-CAh, WHO-SEARO

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | xi

Abbreviations
AWC

Anganwadi Center

AWW

Anganwadi Worker

ANM

Auxillary Nurse Midwife

ASHA

Accredited Social Health Activist

CDH

Congenital Dysplasia of Hip

CHC

Community Health Center

CHD

Congenital Heart Disease

CTEV

Congenital Talipes EquinoVarus

DDH

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

DEIC

District Early Intervention Center

DH

District Hospital

DLHS

District Level Household Survey

FBNC

Facility Based Newborn Care

F-IMNCI

Facility Based Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses

FRU

First Referral Unit

G6PD

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase

HBNC

Home Based Newborn Care

IAP

India Academy of Pediatrics

IEC

Information Education and Communication

IFA

Iron Folic Acid

IMNCI

Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses

IMR

Infant Mortality Rate

JSSK

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram

JSY

Janani Suraksha Yojana

LBW

Low Birth Weight

MBHT

Mobile Block Health Team

MDG

Millennium Development Goal

MOHFW

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

NBCC

Newborn Care Corner

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NBSU

Newborn Stabilization Unit

NFHS

National Family Health Survey

NIPI

Norway India Partnership Initiative

NMR

Neonatal Mortality Rate

NNF

National Neonatology Forum

NRC

Nutrition Rehabilitation Center

NRHM

National Rural Health Mission

NSSK

Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram

OPD

Out Patient Department

ORS

Oral Rehydration Solution

PHC

Primary Health Center

PIP

Programme Implementation Plan

PNC

Post Natal Check-up

RBSK

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

RCH II

Reproductive and Child Health Programme Phase II

RF

Rheumatic Fever

RHD

Rheumatic Heart Disease

ROP

Retinopathy of Prematurity

RSBY

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

SAM

Severe Acute Malnutrition

SDH

Sub District Hospital

SNCU

Special Newborn Care Unit

SRS

Sample Registration System

TOT

Training of Trainers

UNICEF

United Nations Children Fund

VHND

Village Health and Nutrition Day

VHSNC

Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee

WHO

World Health Organization

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Contents
Message .......................................................................................................................................iii
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................v
Preface .........................................................................................................................................vii
Prologue .......................................................................................................................................ix
Contributors .................................................................................................................................x
Abbreviations ..............................................................................................................................xi
1. Introduction & Rationale .................................................................................................. 3
2. Target Group ......................................................................................................................... 4
3. Magnitude of Birth Defects, Deficiencies, Disease,
Developmental Delays and Disabilities in Children ................................................. 5
4. Health Conditions Identified for Screening ............................................................... 7
5. Implementation Mechanism ........................................................................................... 8
6. Training and Institutional Collaboration ...................................................................14
7. Reporting and Monitoring .............................................................................................16
8. Roll Out Steps .....................................................................................................................17

Annexure ................................................................................................................................19
i

Screening and Referral Card ..........................................................................................21

ii Mobile Health Team Register ........................................................................................22

iii District Early Intervention Center (DEIC) Register .................................................23
iv Monthly Reporting Format ............................................................................................24
V Action Plan Format ...........................................................................................................26

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1. Introduction and Rationale

In a vast country like India, the need for ensuring a healthy and dynamic future for a large
populace and creating a developed society, agile and able to compete with the rest of the world,
stands as of paramount importance. The dream of such a healthy and developed society can be
achieved through concerted efforts and initiatives undertaken in a systematic manner at all
levels. Equitable child health, care and early detection and treatment can be the most pragmatic
initiative, or rather solution, at this juncture!
The Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services Programme under National Rural
Health Mission initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, therefore, aims at early
detection and management of the 4Ds prevalent in children. These are Defects at birth, Diseases in
children, Deficiency conditions and Developmental Delays including Disabilities.
Health screening of children is a known intervention under the School Health Programme. It
is now being expanded to cover all children from birth to 18 years of age. The Programme has
been initiated as significant progress has already been made in reducing child mortality under
the National Rural Health Mission. However, further gains can be achieved by early detection and
management of conditions in all age groups.
Out of every 100 babies born in this country annually, 6 to 7 have a birth defect. In Indian context,
this would translate to 1.7 million birth defects annually and would account for 9.6 per cent of all
newborn deaths1. Various nutritional deficiencies affecting the preschool children range from 4
percent to 70 percent. Developmental delays are common in early childhood affecting at least 10
percent of the children. These delays, if not intervened timely, may lead to permanent disabilities
with regard to cognition, hearing and vision.
There are also groups of diseases which are very common in children e.g., dental caries, otitis
media, rheumatic heart disease and reactive airways diseases which can be cured if detected
early. It is understood that early intervention and management can prevent these conditions to
progress into more severe and debilitating forms, thereby reducing hospitalisation and resulting in
improved school attendance.
The Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services will also translate into economic
benefits in the long run. Timely intervention would not only halt the condition to deteriorate
but would also reduce the out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure of the poor and the marginalised
population in the country. Additionally, the Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services
will also provide country-wide epidemiological data on the 4 Ds (i.e., Defects at birth, Diseases,
Deficiencies and Developmental Delays including Disabilities). Such a data is expected to hold
relevance for future planning of area specific services.

March of Dimes Report 2006

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2. Target Group
The services aim to cover all children of 0-6 years of age group in rural areas and urban slums, in
addition to older children upto 18 years of age enrolled in classes 1st to 12th in Government and
Government aided schools. It is expected that these services will reach and benefit about 27 crore
children in a phased manner.
Target Group under Child Health Screening and Intervention Services
Categories
Babies born at public health facilities and home
Preschool children in rural areas and urban slums

Age group
Birth to 6 weeks
6 weeks to 6 years

Estimated Coverage
2 crores
8 crores

(Data Source: CCEA release 24th Sept, 2012)

Children enrolled in classes 1st to 12th in Government and
Government aided schools

6 to 18 years

17 crores

(Data Source : Elementary Education in India, 2012, DISE 201011: Flash Statistics, NUEPA & DSEL, MoHRD, GOI. and State
Report Cards: 2010-11 Secondary education in India, NUEPA)

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3. Magnitude of Birth Defects, Deficiencies,

Diseases, Developmental Delays and Disabilities
in Children
a) Defects at Birth:
Globally, about 7.9 million children are born annually with a serious birth defect of genetic or
partially genetic origin which accounts for 6 percent of the total births. Serious birth defects can
be fatal at times. For those who do not receive specific and timely intervention and yet survive,
these disorders can cause irreversible life-long mental, physical, auditory or visual disability. At
least 3.3 million children under five years of age die from birth defects every year and another 3.2
million of those who survive may be disabled for life. More than 90 percent of all infants with a
serious birth defect are born in low and middle income countries. Cutting across countries and
their economic status, 64.3 infants per thousand live births are born annually with birth defects.
Of these, 7.9 have cardiovascular defects, 4.7 have neural tube defects and 1.2 have some form of
hemoglobinopathy, 1.6 have Downs Syndrome and 2.4 have G6PD deficiency2 (All figures are in
per thousand).
With a large birth cohort of almost 26 million per year, India would account for the largest share
of birth defects in the world3. This would translate to an estimated 1.7 million babies born with
birth defects annually. In the study conducted by National Neonatology Forum, congenital
malformations were the second commonest cause (9.9%) of mortality among stillbirths and the
fourth commonest cause (9.6%) of neonatal mortality and that accounted for 4 per cent of underfive mortality.
Preliminary reports of metabolic studies from five zonal centers covering 5 lakh newborns has
revealed an incidence of congenital hypothyroidism of 1 in 1000 live births4. Messages emerging
from this study connote that diagnosis is often delayed due to lack of awareness among the
professionals and ignorance about the technical expertise required to handle such cases of birth
defects.
A similar prevalence rate of 1 in 1000 was reported for Downs Syndrome in India5. There are
several reports of the incidence of beta thalassemia trait from different parts of the country which
varies from less than 1 percent to as high as 17 percent6 making it imperative to have a policy on
universal screening in selected geography and population groups.

March of Dimes Report, 2006

March of Dimes Report, 2006
4
lndian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)
5
Verma et al, 1998
6
Verma et al 1998
2
3

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b) Deficiencies:
Evidence suggests that almost half of children under age five years (48%) are chronically
malnourished7. In numbers it would mean that more than 47 million children under five years are
stunted, 43 percent of children under age five years are underweight for their age and about 20
percent of children younger than five years of age are wasted. Over 6 percent of children less than
five years of age suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). However, recent survey conducted
in 100 worst affected districts showed SAM prevalence of 3 percent in children less than five
years of age. Anaemia prevalence has been reported as high as 70 percent amongst under five
children largely due to iron deficiency. The situation has virtually remained unchanged over the
past decade. During pre-school years, children continue to suffer from adverse effects of anaemia,
malnutrition and developmental disabilities, which ultimately also impact their performance in
the school.

c) Diseases:
As reported in different surveys, the prevalence of dental caries varies between 50-60 percent
among Indian school children. Rheumatic heart disease is reported at 1.5 per thousand among
school children in the age group of 5-9 years and 0.13 to 1.1 per thousand among 10-14 years. The
median prevalence of reactive air way disease including asthma among children is reported to be
4.75 percent.

d) Developmental Delays and Disabilities:

Globally, 200 million children do not reach their developmental potential in the first five years
because of poverty, poor health, nutrition and lack of early stimulation. The prevalence of early
childhood stunting and the number of people living in absolute poverty could be used as proxy
indicators of poor development in under five children. Both of these indicators are closely
associated with poor cognitive and educational performance in children and failure to reach
optimum developmental potential8. Further, Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) Technical Reports
have reported that approximate 20 percent of babies discharged from health facilities are found to
suffer from developmental delays or disabilities at a later age9.

National Family Health Survey 3 (NFHS-3), 2005-06

Lancet series on Child Development
9
Technical reports on Operational Status of SNCUs in India, 2012
7

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4. Health Conditions Identified for Screening

Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services under NRHM envisage to cover 30
identified health conditions for early detection and free treatment and management. Based on
the high prevalence of diseases like hypothyroidism, sickle cell anaemia and beta thalassemia
in certain geographical pockets of some States/UTs, and availability of testing and specialized
support facilities, these States and UTs may incorporate them as part of this initiative.
Identified Health Conditions for Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services
Defects at Birth

Deficiencies

1. Neural Tube Defect

10. Anaemia especially Severe Anaemia

2. Downs Syndrome

11. Vitamin A Deficiency (Bitot spot)

3. Cleft Lip & Palate / Cleft Palate alone

12. Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets)

4. Talipes (club foot)

13. Severe Acute Malnutrition

5. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

14. Goiter

6. Congenital Cataract
7. Congenital Deafness
8. Congenital Heart Diseases
9. Retinopathy of Prematurity
Childhood Diseases

Developmental Delays and Disabilities

15. Skin conditions (Scabies, Fungal Infection and

Eczema)

21. Vision Impairment

16. Otitis Media

23. Neuro-Motor Impairment

17. Rheumatic Heart Disease

18. Reactive Airway Disease
19. Dental Caries
20. Convulsive Disorders

22. Hearing Impairment

24. Motor Delay
25. Cognitive Delay
26. Language Delay
27. Behaviour Disorder (Autism)
28. Learning Disorder

29. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

30. Congenital Hypothyroidism, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Beta Thalassemia (Optional)

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5. Implementation Mechanisms
The Operational Guidelines outline the following mechanism to reach all the target groups of
children for health screening-

1. For new born:

Facility based newborn screening at public health facilities, by existing health manpower.
Community based newborn screening at home through ASHAs for newborn till 6 weeks of
age during home visitation.

2. For children 6 weeks to 6 years:

Anganwadi Center based screening by the dedicated Mobile Health Teams

3. For children 6 years to 18 years:

Government and Government aided school based screening by dedicated Mobile Health
Teams.

5.1.a Facility based newborn screening:

This includes screening of birth defects in institutional deliveries at public health facilities,
especially at the designated delivery points by ANMs, Medical Officers/ Gynaecologists. Existing
health service providers at all designated delivery points will be trained to detect, register report
and refer birth defects to the District Early Intervention Centers in District Hospitals.

5.1.b Community based newborn screening (age 0-6 weeks) for birth defects:
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) during home visits for newborn care will use the
opportunity to screen the babies born at home and the institutions till 6 weeks of age. ASHAs
will be trained with simple tools for detecting gross birth defects. Further ASHAs will mobilise
caregivers of children to attend the local Anganwadi Centers for screening by the dedicated
Mobile Health Team.
For performing the above additional tasks, she would be equipped with a tool kit consisting of
a pictorial reference book having self-explanatory pictures for identification of birth defects.
Suitable performance based incentive may also be provided to ASHAs.

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Responsibility of ASHA under Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services
1. Identify birth defects among 0-6 weeks old babies through home visits
2. Provide help to mothers for early stimulation of children of 0-6 weeks
3. Explain the screening programme to parents/caregivers of children upto 6 years and mobilise them
to attend the screening camps by the dedicated mobile health team at local Anganwadi Centers.
4. Help parents in referral services, if required.

In order to ensure improved and enhanced outcome of the screening programme by Mobile
Health Teams, ASHAs would particularly mobilise the children with low birth weight, underweight
and children from households known to have any chronic illness (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV,
haemoglobinopathy etc.). Line lists maintained by the ANMs and AWWs would also be used to
mobilise children.

5.2 Screening of children aged 6 weeks till 6 years attending Anganwadi Centers:
Children in the age groups 6 weeks to 6 years of age will be examined in the Anganwadi Centers
by the dedicated Mobile Health Teams.

5.3 Screening of children enrolled in Government and Government aided schools:

For children in the age groups 6 to 18 years, who will be screened in Government and Government
aided schools, the Block will be the hub of activity for the programme. At least three dedicated
Mobile Health Teams in each Block will be engaged to conduct screening of children. Villages
within the jurisdiction of the Block would be distributed amongst the mobile health teams. The
number of teams may vary depending on the number of Anganwadi Centers, difficult to reach
areas and children enrolled in the schools. The screening of children in the Anganwadi Centers
would be conducted at least twice a year and at least once a year for school children to begin with.
The Mobile Health Team will consist of four members - two Doctors (AYUSH) one male and one
female, with a bachelors degree from an approved institution, one ANM/Staff Nurse and one
Pharmacist with proficiency in computer for data management.
Suggested Composition of Mobile Health Team
S. No

Member

Number

Medical officers (AYUSH) - 1 male and 1 female at least with a bachelor degree
from an approved institution

ANM/Staff Nurse

Pharmacist* with proficiency in computer for data management

*In case a Pharmacist is not available, other paramedics Lab Technician or Ophthalmic Assistant with proficiency
in computer for data management may be considered.

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Teams will screen all the children upto 6 years of age registered with the Anganwadi Centers
and all children enrolled in Government and Government aided schools. In order to facilitate
implementation of the health screening process, vehicles will be hired for movement of the teams
to Anganwadi Centers, Government and Government aided schools. A tool kit with essential
equipment for screening of children will also be provided to the Mobile Health Team members.
Composition of Tool Kit for Mobile Health Team
6 weeks to 6 years

6-18 years

1. Equipments for Screening including Developmental Delays

Bell, rattle, torch, one inch cubes, small bottle

with raisins, squeaky toys, coloured wool

Vision charts, reference charts

BP apparatus with age appropriate calf size

Manual and a card specific to each age with age appropriate developmental check list to record
milestones to identify developmental delays
(6 weeks -9 years)

2. Equipments for Anthropometry

Age appropriate Weighing scale (mechanical newborn weighing scale , standing weighing scale)
Height measuring Stadiometers/Infantometers
Mid arm circumference tape/ bangle
Non stretchable measuring tape for head circumference

There is also a provision for engaging a Block Programme Manager for providing logistic support
and for monitoring the entire health screening process. The Block Programme Manager is also
expected to ensure referral support and manage compilation of the data. The Block teams
will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the CHC Medical Officer. The Block
Programme Manager will chalk out a detailed screening plan for all the three teams in consultation
with schools, Anganwadi Centers and CHC Medical Officer. A tour dairy will be maintained
by Block Health Teams. A log book will also be maintained for movement of hired vehicles. The
teams will submit monthly report using standard formats on various indicators like the number
of children screened, number of children referred etc. (Annexure I). The formats are enclosed in
Annexures. This data will be digitized and made online for monitoring and follow up at higher
levels. Integration with the existing MCTS will also be achieved.

5.4 District Early Intervention Center (DEIC):

An Early Intervention Center will be established at the District Hospital. The purpose of Early
Intervention Center is to provide referral support to children detected with health conditions
during health screening. A team consisting of Paediatrician, Medical officer, Staff Nurses,

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Paramedics will be engaged to provide services. There is also a provision for engaging a manager
who would carry out mapping of tertiary care facilities in Government institutions for ensuring
adequate referral support. The funds will be provided under NRHM for management at the tertiary
level at the rates fixed by the State Governments in consultation with the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare.
The proposed team composition at the District Early Intervention Center (DEIC) is as below:
Composition of Team at District Early Intervention Center
Professionals
Medical Professionals (Paediatrician -1, Medical Officer 1, Dental Doctor -1).
Physiotherapist
Audiologist & Speech Therapist
Psychologist
Optometrist
Early Interventionist cum Special Educatorcum Social Worker
Lab Technician
Dental Technician
Manager
Data Entry Operator

Number
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1

Role of District Early Intervention Center:

1. Providing referral services to referred children for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment
2. Screening children at the District Early Intervention Center
3. Visit all newborns delivered at the District Hospital, including those admitted in SNCU, postnatal
and children wards for screening all newborns irrespective of their sickness for hearing, vision,
congenital heart disease before discharge
4. Ensure that every child born sick or preterm or with low birth weight or any birth defect is followed
up at the District Early Intervention Center
5. All the referrals for developmental delay are followed and records maintained
6. The Lab Technician of the DEIC would screen the children for inborn error of metabolism and other
disorders, at the District level depending upon the logistics and local epidemiological situations
7.

Ensure linkage with tertiary care facilities through agreed MOU.

Children and students presumptively diagnosed to have a disease/ deficiency/disability/ defect

and who require confirmatory tests or further examination will be referred to the designated
tertiary level public sector health facilities through the DEICs.

12 | OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

The DEIC would promptly respond to and manage all issues related to developmental delays,
hearing defects, vision impairment, neuro-motor disorders, speech and language delay, autism
and cognitive impairment. Beside this, the team at DEICs will also be involved in newborn
screening at the District level. This Center would have the basic facilities to conduct tests for
hearing, vision, neurological tests and behavioural assessment.
The States/UTs would conduct mapping to identify public health institutions through
collaborative partners for provision of specialized tests and services. Private sector partnership/
NGOs providing specialised services can also be explored in case services at public health
institutions providing tertiary care are not available. Accredited health institutions will be
reimbursed for the specialised service provided as per the agreed cost of tests or treatment
packages.
Contract rates as per existing norms at the District Hospitals, Medical Colleges and any insurance
schemes or CGHS approved rates can be used as a reference guideline. Process costs required for
management of ailment is to be budgeted under NRHM.
Synergy would be ensured through strong convergence with ongoing schemes of the Ministy of
Woman and Child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development (School Education)
and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The States have been supported by patient transport network under NRHM and this facility may
be used to transport sick children to higher facilities on a priority basis.
A three-part referral card is to be provided to parents/caregivers/students with clear instructions
and address of the specified facility to be visited in the District. Preliminary observations should
also be recorded in the referral card by the Medical Officer of the Block level Health Team.

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | 13

Primary Screening Level

Selected Health Condition

Children in 0-6 weeks:

Neural Tube Defect

Downs Syndrome

Cleft Lip & Palate

Club Foot

Health
Facility
(at birth)

Home
by ASHA
(0-6
weeks)

Block Health
Team (6
weeks and
above)

DEIC

YES

YES

YES

YES

Management at DEIC

Action

Surgery, tie up with Tertiary Public

Hospital

YES

YES

Surgery, tie up with Tertiary Public

Hospital including Smile Train

YES

YES

Surgery, tie up with Tertiary Public

Hospital including Smile Train

Developmental Dysplasia of
the Hip

YES

YES

Congenital Cataract

YES

YES

YES

Management at DH

Congenital Deafness

YES

YES

Surgery, tie up with Tertiary Public

Hospital

Congenital Heart Diseases

YES

YES

YES

Tie up with Tertiary Public Hospital

Retinopathy of Prematurity
only for preterm babies

YES

Tie up with Tertiary Public Hospital/

NGO

Children 6 weeks-18 years

10

Anaemia especially Severe

Anaemia

11

Vitamin A Deficiency (Bitot

Spot)

12

Vitamin D Deficiency, (Rickets)

13

Severe Acute Malnutrition ,

SAM/Stunting

14

Goiter

15

Skin conditions (Scabies,

Fungal Infection and Eczema)

16

Otitis Media

17

Rheumatic Heart Disease only

at school

18

Reactive Airway Disease

19

Dental Caries

20

Convulsive Disorders

21

Vision Impairment

22

Hearing Impairment

23

Neuro-motor Impairment (CP)

24

Motor Delay

25

Cognitive Delay

26

Language Delay

27

Behaviour Disorder (Autism)

28

Learning Disorder (6 years to

9 years)

29

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder (6 years to 9 years)

30

Others
*Only at District Hospital

Management at DH

YES
-

YES
YES

YES
-

YES

YES

YES
YES
YES
-

Surgery, tie up with Tertiary Public

Hospital
Management at CHC

Management at CHC
Management at DH
Management at DH
Management at DH

YES

Management at DEIC

YES

Management at DEIC

YES
YES

YES

Management at CHC/ DH
Management at CHC/ DH

YES
-

Management at CHC
Management at DH

YES
-

Management at CHC
Management at CHC

YES
-

Management at DH

YES

YES
YES

YES
YES

Management at DEIC

14 | OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

6. Training and Institutional Collaboration

Training of the personnel involved in Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services is
an essential component of the programme as it would be instrumental in imparting necessary
information and skills required for child health screening and enhancing the performance of all
the personnel involved in the health screening process at various levels.
A cascading training approach would be adopted in order to ensure free flow of skills and
knowledge at all levels and to maximize skill distribution. Standardized training modules/tools
would be developed in partnership with technical support agencies and collaborative Centers
as their technical knowledge and expertise will contribute to making the training process all
comprehensive.
Based on the number of Block level teams required for the programme, an estimate of the training
load will be made for each year and appropriate budgets will be included in the States Annual
Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) under the trainings head. Cost of translation and printing
of tools and formats and supportive supervision through the Regional Collaborating Center,
should also be factored in the annual PIP.
It is proposed to identify Collaborative Centers in different regions of the country. These Centers
will coordinate, mentor, provide supportive supervision and train health workers of various cadres,
review data from Blocks and health facilities to estimate the incidence/prevalence of various
health conditions in the States and support them in establishing data base of children screened
and diagnosed with specific disease, disorders, and disabilities that require long term follow up
and treatment. It is proposed that the following Collaborative Centers in the public sector shall
extend support to the States/UTs.

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | 15

S. No.

Institute/ Medical College/ Hospital

States/UTs

1
2

AIIMS
PGIMER, Chandigarh

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

SGPGI, Lucknow
IPGMER, Kolkata
KEM, Mumbai
KEM, Pune
CDC, Trivandrum
NIMH, Hyderabad
AYJNIHH, Mumbai
AIISH, Mysore
MAMC, New Delhi
KSCH, New Delhi
CMC, Vellore
ICH, Chennai
Shankar Netralaya, Chennai
LVPEI, Hyderabad
DIEC, Hoshangabad

Delhi
Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh,
Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
West Bengal and all North East States
Maharashtra, Goa
Maharashtra, Gujarat
Kerela
Andhra Pradesh
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Delhi, Jharkhand
Delhi, Orissa
Tamil Nadu, A and Nicobar, Puducherry
Tamil Nadu, Dadar and Nagar Haveli,
Tamil Nadu, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep
Andhra Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

16 | OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

7. Reporting and Monitoring

A Nodal Office at the State, District and Block level will be identified for programme monitoring.
The Block will be the hub of activity for all Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services
activities. The Block Programme Manager will assist the CHC Medical Officer in programme
supervision and monitoring.
The Child Health Screening Card (Annexure I) is to be filled up by the Block Health Teams for
every child screened during the visit. The health care providers at all delivery points will screen
the newborns and fill the same card, if referral is required. These children should be issued unique
identification number from the Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS). The birth defects
detected by ASHAs during home visits are to be referred to DH/ DEIC for further management.
All children detected should be referred to the District Early Intervention Center for further
management at the District or identified tertiary level health institution.
A Health Camp Register is to be maintained by the Mobile Block Health Teams (Annexure II). The
Early Intervention Center at the District level would also conduct screenings, manage the cases
and maintain a DEIC Register (Annexure III). The Monthly Reporting Form (Aannexure IV) is to
be filled by Mobile Health Teams, staff posted at District Early Intervention Centers, preferably by
healthcare providers at the health facilities where deliveries take place. The same monthly format
is to be used for data compilation by Block Health Manager, District Nodal Officer and State Nodal
Officer. The State Nodal Officer will send this report on a monthly basis to the Child Health Division
of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | 17

8. Roll-Out Steps for Child Health Screening and

Early Intervention Services
Identification of State Nodal Persons for the Child Health Screening and Early Intervention
Services.

Dissemination of Operational Guidelines to all Districts.

Estimation of the State/ District magnitude of various diseases, defects, deficiencies,
disabilities as per available national estimates.

State level orientation meeting.

Recruitment of District Nodal Persons.
Estimation of the total requirement of dedicated Mobile Health Teams & recruitment of the
Mobile Health Teams.

Mapping of facilities/institutions (public and private for treatment of specific health

conditions).

Establishment of DEIC at the District Hospital.

Procurement of equipment for the Block Mobile Team and District Hospital (as per the list
provided in the Operational Guidelines).

Translation of tools, training packages, printing of formats, training material.

Training of Master Trainers.
Block micro-plan for school and community visits monthly outreach plan based on the
mapping of educational institutions and Anganwadis and enrollment in them.

The schedule of visits of the Block Mobile Teams should be communicated to the school,
Anganwadi Centers, ASHAs, relevant authorities, students, parents and Local Government
well in advance so that required preparations can be made.

Anganwadi Centers and school authorities should arrange for prior communication with
parents and motivate them to participate in the process.

Annexures

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | 21

Annexure I
Screening and Referral Card
Child Health Screening Card (AWC/ School/ Delivery Point)
Name of Child

Name of Mother/ Father/

Guardian

Gender (M/F)

Age/ DOB, if available

MCTS no.

AWC/ School no.

Date of Visit

Name of the ASHA & Mob

no.

AWC/ School (address &

contact detail)

Mobile Health Team ID

Weight (in Kg.)

Height ( in cm)

Circle as Applicable
Defects at Birth

Deficiencies

Childhood Diseases

Developmental delay and

disability

1. Neural Tube Defect

10. Anaemia

15. Skin Conditions

21. Vision Impairment

2. Downs Syndrome

11. Vitamin A Deficiency

(Bitot Spot)

16. Otitis Media

22. Hearing Impairment

17. Rheumatic Heart

Disease

23. Neuro-Motor
Impairment

18. Reactive Airway Disease

24. Motor Delay

19. Dental Caries

25. Cognitive Delay

20. Convulsive Disorders

26. Language Delay

3. Cleft Lip & Palate

12. Vitamin-D Deficiency,

(Rickets)

4. Talipes (club foot)

5. Developmental
Dysplasia of Hip

13. SAM/Stunting

6. Congenital Cataract

14. Goiter

27. Behaviour Disorder

(Autism)

7. Congenital Deafness
8. Congenital Heart
Disease

28. Learning Disorder

29. Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder

9. Retinopathy of
Prematurity (only at DH)

30. Others
Referral (Y/N)
Facility where referral made- (Circle as applicable)
1. CHC

2. DH

[Link]

[Link]

5. DEIC

Remarks (1 visit)

Name of Doctor & Sign (1st visit)

Date and Remarks (2nd visit)

Name of Doctor & Sign (2nd visit)

st

(To be filled by mobile health team/ health care provider at delivery points)

Name of Contact Weight Height Defects Deficiencies Diseases

Mother/ number (Kg)
(cm)
at Birth
Father
of
parent

Developmental
delay
including
disability

Date of observation/ Visit

Age
ID no.
(DOB, if
available)

Block

Sex

Address & contact details of institution visited-

District

S. no. Name
of
child

AWC/ School-

State

Health Screening Visit Register - Child Health Screening & Early Intervention Services

Referred Place of
(Y/N)
Referral
(FRU,
CHC,
DH, SDH,
NRC,
DEIC)

22 | OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Annexure II

Mobile Health Team Register

(>6 weeks to 18 years, to be maintained by Mobile Health Team)

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | 23

Annexure III
District Early Intervention Center (DEIC) Register
(To be maintained by DEIC)
DEIC Register - Child Health Screening & Early Intervention Services
State S. no.

District Date

Name of Sex
child

Age
(DOB, if
available)

Name of
Mother
(Contact
number )

Cause of
referral

Referred
from
(1. FRU
2. CHC
3. DH
4. SDH
5. SNCU
6. Block
Mobile
Health
Team
7. ASHA)

Final
Diagnosis

1. Referred to
(mention
name of
institution)
2. Medical
treatment
3. Surgical
treatment

Health Condition

Neural Tube Defect

Downs Syndrome

Cleft Lip & Palate

Club Foot

Developmental
Dysplasia of the hip

Congenital Cataract

Congenital Deafness

Congenital Heart
Diseases

Retinopathy of
Prematurity

Severe Anaemia

Vitamin A Deficiency
(Bitot Spot)

Vitamin-D
Deficiency, (Rickets)

SAM

Goitre

Skin Conditions

Otitis Media

Sl No

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Female

Male

Male

Total

6 weeks to 6 years

0-6 weeks

Female

Training
load

Trained

Total

School level

AWC level

Female Total

6 years to 18 years
Male

Month & Year

Male

Female

Total children
Total

Planned Held

Screening visits organised

Number of children with selected health conditions

AYUSH

HR Training status

Total

Functional
Block
Mobile
Health
Team (no.)
ANM/ Staff
Nurses

Found positive in the

month for selected
health conditions

Female

Screened
in the
current
month

Block

ASHA

Targeted
for the
current
month

District

Male

State

Monthly Reporting Format (Block/ District/ State)

Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services

24 | OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Annexure IV

MONTHLY REPORTING FORMAT

Rheumatic Heart
Disease

Reactive Airway
Disease

Dental Caries

Convulsive Disorders

Vision Impairment

Hearing Impairment

Neuro Motor
Impairment

Motor Delay

Cognitive Delay

Language Delay

Behaviour Disorder
(Autism)

Learning Disorder

Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity
Disorder

Others

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Designation

Date

Signature

Self-referral at DEIC

Mobile Health Team

Health facility/Delivery points

ASHA

Report prepared by

Report verified by

Female

Male

Total

Male

Female

6 weeks to 6 years
Total

Female Total

Block/ District Nodal Person

Male

6 years to 18 years

Number of children with selected health conditions

0-6 weeks

Referred from (to be filled only at district level from DEIC register)

Higher health institution/super

speciality hospital (District
level)

DEIC/ DH

CHC

Children Referred to

Health Condition

Sl No
Male

Female

Total children
Total

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) | 25

Mark Sunday/holiday in red and dont plan for clinic or screening, On School holidays Anganwadi visit plan is to be made.

Sunday

Saturday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Monday

Day

Date of visit to be informed to parents through school/Anganwadi/ASHAs

Total

Visit
Date

Female

School
Contact
No.

Advance plan to be developed for the whole year.

Male

Number of children in
institution

Category
of
standard

Designation

Plan for a daily average screening of 110/120 children in school. Thus more than one day visit to school may be required if the enrolment to the
school is beyond 110/120.

Category of
School

Off. Phone-

Name

Details of Dedicated team Staff

Dedicated team UID

Taluka -

Note:

School
Code

Office No.

Office No.

Anganwadi
code

Mob. No.

Mob. No.

School/
Anganwadi

Name of
CDPO. :-

Name of B.E.O. :-

Name of
Institution

Woman & Child Department

Education Department

Sr. No.

District -

State -

Action Plan of Year _________________

National Rural Health Mission - Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services

26 | OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Annexure V

ACTION PLAN FORMAT (MICRO PLANNING)

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Government of India
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi