Koppal: The recent outburst by Dr Suresh B Itnal, deputy commissioner, against the alleged lethargic functioning of Dr Vijayanath Itagi, the director of Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), finally turned beneficial for mentally challenged children in the district, with steps initiated to operationalise the long-pending District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC).The DEIC, established under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), is designed to provide early detection, management and referral services for children from birth to 18 years to address the ‘4Ds’ — defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies and developmental delays, including disabilities. Its purpose is to improve child survival and quality of life by offering holistic, free and timely intervention services.
Each DEIC provides specialised services such as paediatric consultation, physiotherapy, speech therapy, audiology, psychological services and nutritional counselling. While the primary target group is children up to 6 years, services extend to those up to 18 years. The DEIC also acts as a referral hub for community-based screening.Although the building, on the premises of the district hospital, was ready and handed over to the district surgeon 1 year ago, specialists were recruited and materials purchased, the centre did not become operational.The issue was brought to the DC’s notice, following which Dr Itnal expressed displeasure in an officers’ WhatsApp group and instructed, “Please visit DIEC today. If it is not operationalised, I will send a report to the govt with a recommendation for the suspension of the district surgeon and director of KIMS. DDPI should coordinate.”Renuka, secretary of Arun Chetan Special School, said that although theirs is only a 1-year-old private school, 30 differently abled children were already admitted, and such children require expert staff, special equipment and facilities. Rajendra Jain, president of Mahatma Gandhi Anatha Sevashram Trust, expressed a similar opinion.Salim Alwandi, a member of the advisory committee at KIMS, expressed his frustration regarding the unnecessary delay in launching the DEIC. He noted that although the central govt provided grants promptly, the building was ready and equipment delivered, the DEIC is yet toopen even after 1 year.In response to an enquiry from TOI, DC Dr Suresh Itnal assured that the district administration would soon initiate the early intervention centre for rehabilitation, and the officials concerned were instructed to address the matter with utmost seriousness.
