GANDHINAGAR: The government of Gujarat has taken a proactive step by introducing digital health cards to monitor the cognitive development and nutritional status of school children.

Gujarat has become the pioneer and sole state in the country to implement the Shala Arogya-National Child Health Program (SHRBSK), demonstrating its commitment to this initiative. The launch of this comprehensive health check-up campaign coincided with the 20th Shala Praveshotsav (School Enrolment Drive) on June 12, 2023.

Over the next 30 days, more than 10 million school children in Gujarat will undergo health check-ups as part of this special campaign, ensuring their overall well-being.

SHRBSK is a collaborative effort between the central and state governments, aimed at providing health services to children from infancy to 18 years of age. It encompasses students in Anganwadi centers, primary schools, secondary/higher secondary schools, as well as school dropouts.

Through this program, the state government offers complimentary health check-ups to diagnose various conditions, including anemia, malnutrition, skin diseases, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other illnesses.

The Shala Arogya-National Child Health Program consists of 992 mobile health teams, each comprising doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare workers. These teams will conduct health check-ups for students across the entire state.

Children identified with ailments during the campaign will receive free treatment at government healthcare facilities, ranging from Primary Health Centers to specialized hospitals.

Key Features: One notable feature of this initiative is the introduction of the 'Digital Health Card.' This card is designed to monitor students' nutritional levels and cognitive development, providing insights into various health parameters such as height, anemia levels, and nutritional status.

SHRBSK mobile health teams and community health officers will collaborate with school nodal officers to update students' health information on the digital health card, which will be accessible to both students and parents.

Additionally, nodal teachers and community health officers will work together to facilitate Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID) enrollment for all students during the campaign.

The government of Gujarat is also integrating health and academic reports. By merging data between the Health and Education departments, they aim to ensure the holistic growth and development of every student.

Starting this year, health check-ups of school children will be conducted quarterly, providing accurate and up-to-date information about their well-being throughout the year.

The final health report will be integrated into the students' mark sheets and report cards, promoting a comprehensive approach to their education and health.

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