Maharashtra Health department has launched biggest mass screening programmes in government-run educational institutions

To assess the health parameters of nearly 2.9 crore school students in Maharashtra, the Health department has launched one of the biggest mass screening programmes in government-run educational institutions.

Under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, it is mandatory to run regular health screening of students in both government and semi-government schools. However, amid the pandemic, as in-person classes were suspended in schools, the check-ups also took a backseat.

“Earlier, we screened the mothers and now, we will examine the school children in the age-group of zero to 18 years in all government and semi-government schools and junior colleges, ashram schools, anganwadis and children’s homes,” said Dr Kailas Baviskar, deputy director, health service, Maharashtra. “This will help us gauge the health parameters of the children,” he said.

Over 12,000 teams, including staffers from Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and community health officers, are working across the state to carry out the check-ups.

The list of tests include X-Ray, ECG, Blood test, 2D Echo, sonography and CT Scan, among others. 

Local activists also pointed out the need to screen an estimated 8 lakh children who dropped out of schools during the pandemic