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MISSION MEDICAL
* 15 mobile teams comprising of two doctors, a nurse and a pharmacist
* Anganwadis and schools across Goa to be covered
* Target set by central government - 1,00,445 children (6 week to 6 year group)
* Another target set in the six to 18-year age group is 2,73,323 children
* 38.71 pc of 6-week to 6-year group screened so far
* 40.05 percent of school children screened for 2016-17 academic year
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The programme registered the highest number of cases relating to dental conditions and vision impairment.
In September alone, 610 children in the age group of 6 and 18 were identified with dental conditions while 140 from the same group were identified with vision impairment.
Speaking to The Goan, Chief Medical Officer of the State Family Welfare Program, Dr Vandana Dhume said the numbers are reflective of a health awareness program among people where the disease receives a timely cure.
“Initially, when the program first began three years ago, there wasn’t much awareness among people for the need for such a screening procedure. These aren’t worrisome figures because parents are now allowing their children to be screened. This ensures that they receive the required treatment in a timely manner,” she said.
Across the state, 15 mobile teams comprising of two doctors, a nurse and a pharmacist went to anganwadis and schools with a target from the central government to screen a total of 1,00,445 children from six-week to six-year category and 2,73,323 children in the six to 18 year category.
Compared to the targets, a total of 38.71 percent of the six week to six year target group were screened while 40.05 percent of school children had been screened for the 2016-17 academic year.
“Children belonging to the six week to six year category need to be screened twice a year, while six to 18 year old get screened once. Since the younger group go to anganwadis, their attendance isn’t always a 100 percent, on some days its only 50 percent. In schools however, attendance is a necessity and cannot be avoided, therefore these numbers are higher,” said Dhume.
Once screened and identified for a medical condition, the mobile unit either treat the case by themselves or recommend them to a Primary Health Centre (PHC), Community Health Centre (CHC), District hospital or the Goa Medical College (GMC).
The Department of Health Services (DHS), that has taken the central government funded program to the masses has also set up District Early Intervention Centers (DEIC) that aims to provide services to confirmation of diagnosis and treatment. These centers are equipped with a team of specialists including physiotherapists, neurologists, clinical psychologists as well as consultant specialists.
Other tests conducted under the RBSK include screening for birth defects like Neural tube defect, down’s syndrome, cleft lip and palate, development dysplasia of the hip, congenital cataract, deafness and retinopathy. Vision, hearing and neuro motor impairment as well as Vitamin A and D deficiencies and severe anemia are also included in the list of deficiencies screened for.
For adolescent health, screening and treatment is given for depression, substance abuse and concerns growing up.
