New Delhi, Feb 6: A new health initiative “Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram” was launched by Chairperson UPA Sonia Gandhi from Palghar, a tribal block in Thane district in Maharashtra today.
 The initiative is to provide comprehensive healthcare and improve the quality of life of children through early detection of birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays including disability.
 Launching the programme, Gandhi said under the National Rural Health Mission, several new initiatives have been taken, particularly to improve maternal and child health.
 With the launch of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, regular health screening of children in public health facilities, Aanganwadis and Government and Government aided schools for defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies and development disorders will be done now.
 She said this programme will cover 25 crore children all over the country in a phased manner and provide for free follow up management and treatment at the district hospitals and at tertiary levels.
 Addressing the programme, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad said UPA chairperson has been always at the forefront in areas of public health, whether it is the flagging off the Red Ribbon.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 6 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 6 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 7 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST