India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released updated guidelines for Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0, strengthening the country’s child health screening programme with greater focus on digital health systems, real-time monitoring and integrated healthcare delivery.
The revised framework expands the programme’s 4D approach covering birth defects, diseases, deficiencies and developmental delays to also include non-communicable diseases, mental health and behavioural conditions among children and adolescents.
RBSK 2.0 will continue screenings through mobile health teams at Anganwadi centres and schools while strengthening referral systems and continuity of care through structured digital tracking mechanisms.
The updated guidelines introduce digital health cards, real-time data systems and integrated digital platforms to improve programme monitoring, transparency and evidence-based decision-making. The framework also emphasizes coordination among the health, education and women and child development sectors to strengthen early intervention and long-term child healthcare outcomes across the country.
