Govt to screen all children for diabetes, roll out free lifelong care under RBSK | India News
NEW DELHI: In a major policy shift, the Center will now screen all children from birth to 18 years for diabetes and provide free, lifelong treatment through the public health system, expanding its flagship Rashtriya Bal Sahyat Karma (RBSK) to address the growing burden of the disease in the younger age group.The guideline document, released by the Union Health Ministry at a national public health conference, creates a structured national framework for screening, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of childhood diabetes. It integrates community- and school-based screening with district-level care, aiming to ensure early detection and continuity of treatment.The rollout is part of the center’s restructuring of RBSK 2.0, which takes a life cycle approach from birth to 18 years and expands the “4Ds” framework to include non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, along with mental health and behavioral conditions. The guidelines also flag increased lifestyle risks – including poor diet, reduced physical activity and increased screen exposure – and introduce digital tracking and structured follow-up systems to strengthen continuity of care.Under the protocol, mobile health teams will screen children at schools and anganwadi centers for symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue and weight loss — the “4Ts” warning signs. Suspected cases will be immediately tested for blood glucose and referred to the district NCD clinic for confirmation and treatment.The move comes amid growing concern about diabetes in the younger population. While type 1 diabetes remains the most common form in children and requires lifelong insulin, the document notes an increase in type 2 diabetes in adolescents, largely driven by increased obesity and sedentary lifestyles.Experts say prevention will be key. “Obesity among children has increased sharply, and with it we are seeing more diabetes. Lifestyle changes need to start early, especially at the school level, because habits formed during these years shape long-term health. It will be important to strengthen school-based health programs and ensure consistent implementation,” said Dr. Jugal Kishore, director, university professor and former professor and medical commissioner of the medical college. Safdarjung Hospital.District hospitals are positioned as the backbone of care, offering a comprehensive free package that includes diagnostic services, lifelong insulin therapy, glucometers, test strips and regular follow-up. The program includes counseling and training for families on insulin use, monitoring and emergency care.The framework links early detection to improved care with standardized treatment to prevent complications. Officials said timely diagnosis enables normal growth and better outcomes. The initiative aims to reduce mortality, reduce financial burden and ensure uninterrupted care, now focusing on implementation.
