Guwahati: Digital health records will form the backbone of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0, launched in Assam on Tuesday to track children from the early detection of health conditions through treatment and recovery.Health minister Ashok Singhal unveiled the programme guidelines at Pragjyotish Medical College and Hospital. He said the digital system would improve monitoring of treatment outcomes and ensure regular follow-up for children referred to hospitals after health screenings.“Earlier, children were referred for treatment, but now we are introducing a digital system to maintain their health records. This will help us track whether children who receive treatment recover and become healthy,” he said.RBSK teams screen children in schools and refer those requiring medical attention to healthcare facilities.The revamped programme will focus on the early detection of congenital defects, malnutrition, developmental delays and diseases. It will also cover emerging concerns such as mental health issues, diabetes and hypertension to enable timely intervention and prevent complications.Singhal said child healthcare required coordinated efforts by govt, families, schools and society. He also stressed the importance of nutrition, hygiene and healthy lifestyles.School health clubs, he said, could help promote awareness of physical activity, mental health and healthy habits. The minister said the initiative had received encouraging feedback and expressed hope that more schools would establish such clubs.NHM Assam mission director Dr Lakshmanan S, director of medical education Dr Manoj Kumar Choudhury, Pragjyotish Medical College and Hospital principal Dr Basanta Kumar Baishya and senior health department officials attended the launch.
