Free surgeries bring new hope to 441 children

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a significant push to strengthen child healthcare, the Andhra Pradesh government has provided 441 free surgical procedures to children below the age of 18 under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) between April and August 19 of the 2026-27 financial year. The surgeries, costing Rs 2.42 crore, were identified through routine health screenings conducted at Anganwadi centres and schools.

Of the 441 children treated, 289 were identified during Anganwadi screenings and 152 through school-based health examinations, highlighting the government’s emphasis on detecting health conditions at an early stage rather than waiting until they become serious. The RBSK program focuses on identifying birth defects, diseases, nutritional deficiencies, developmental delays and disabilities among children. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Mid-Level Health Providers conduct preliminary examinations, while suspected cases are referred to Primary Health Centers for further assessment.

Children requiring specialized care are subsequently referred to District Early Intervention Centers (DEICs) or higher medical institutions. The program has addressed a wide range of complex conditions. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) accounted for the largest number, with 132 surgeries, involving an expenditure of Rs 33 lakh. Another 72 children underwent surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate, while 30 children received treatment for congenital heart disease. Clubfoot accounted for 35 surgeries, while procedures were also performed for congenital deafness, neural tube defects and congenital cataracts.

Importantly, 238 of the 441 surgeries were performed in government hospitals. Where specialized procedures were unavailable in government facilities, children were referred to empaneled private hospitals under RBSK. A total of 15 private hospitals are linked to the program with eligible treatments provided free of cost through Dr NTR Vaidya Seva or PM-JAY. The government has also placed emphasis on counseling parents when surgery is recommended.

 Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that children receive timely diagnosis, treatment, surgery and follow-up care. By taking screening to Anganwadi centers and schools, the program seeks to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent children from receiving potentially life-changing medical treatment.