In a bold initiative for its students in government, aided, and anganwadi (play school) institutions, Maharashtra has come up with an integrated initiative to cover all school health programs for all students. Soon, every student will have a personalized health card. There will also be a mobile app for recording and monitoring medical data without any hitch. A more extensive perspective of better health access and earlier diagnosis for nearly 10 million children under 18 has been included in this one.
Monthly check-ups and free treatment for complicated cases
Health teams comprising two doctors, a nursing staff member, and a health assistant will conduct monthly examinations in schools. All health findings will be digitized through the new mobile app, ensuring that health data will be stored safely and efficiently accessed. It will be in line with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram of the Central Government and schemes of the state regarding complete medical support, including surgery, for children hospitalized with severe sickness or disability.
“The decision was approved during a cabinet meeting held in January 2024, chaired by then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. As part of the programme, health teams comprising two doctors, a nurse and a health assistant will visit schools every month to conduct examinations. The findings from these check-ups will be uploaded to the newly developed health app, ensuring that each student’s health data is digitised and accessible.” - The Government Resolution (GR) published on April 29 stated.
Focus on early detection of the '4 Ds'
Strong emphasis has been placed on identifying and treating the '4 Ds': defects, deficiencies, developmental delays, and diseases. As stated by School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, the Central Government has already sanctioned free surgeries for 104 types under critical conditions.
In critical cases, students will be eligible for immediate surgery at no cost, with 104 types of surgeries already approved by the central government.Dada Bhuse, School Education Minister, Maharashtra
District-level monitoring for smooth implementation
The special district committees have already been started in areas such as Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, Osmanabad, Thane, Beed, Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, and Solapur. Now, the state plans to copy this model into all the districts. The Committees will supervise district and taluka level inspections to ensure the program quality.
Principals play the pivotal role in student participation.
School principals are tasked with guaranteeing full student attendance at the health check-ups. They shall also inform parents beforehand and must maintain proper digital records of individual student health statuses, medical treatment, and follow-up. Collaborating with local health officials will be crucial to enable the transfer and subsequent care of students requiring assistance at regional or district medical facilities.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)