Maharashtra Students To Get Health Cards, App Tracking & Free Surgeries Under New Govt Plan

In an important step towards improving the health of school-going children, the Maharashtra government has decided to issue individual health cards to all students studying in government, aided, and anganwadi schools across the state, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The initiative will benefit around 1 crore (10 million) children under the age of 18.

As part of this health drive, a special mobile app will be created to store and monitor each child's health records. The data will include medical check-up results, treatments received, and any follow-up needed. The aim is to keep a proper record and ensure that children receive timely care.

According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued on April 29, this decision was approved during a cabinet meeting in January 2024 chaired by former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Health teams made up of two doctors, one nurse, and one health assistant will visit schools every month to check students. The health reports will then be uploaded to the app.

This programme is being carried out under the central government's Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and related state schemes. It will help with early detection and treatment of the "4 Ds": defects, deficiencies, developmental delays, and diseases. Children found with serious health problems or disabilities will get full medical treatment and, if needed, free surgeries. As of now, 104 types of surgeries have been approved.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse confirmed that even major surgeries will be carried out at no cost to families. "We want to make sure no child is left untreated because of money problems," he said.

The government has already formed special district-level monitoring committees in Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, Osmanabad, Thane, Beed, Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, and Solapur. Similar committees will now be set up in other districts too. There will also be proper inspections at district and taluka levels to ensure smooth implementation.

School principals have been asked to make sure all children are present during health check-ups. They must also inform parents in advance and update the online records of students' health status. In case any student needs further treatment, school staff will work with local health officers to help shift the child to nearby taluka or district hospitals.

This health card initiative is seen as a major boost to children's well-being, especially in rural and underprivileged areas.