Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel’s three-year governance marks a milestone in child healthcare. Learn how initiatives like RBSK are transforming healthcare access for over 4.5 crore children across Gujarat.

As Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel completes three years in office, the state’s healthcare system—particularly for children—has become a cornerstone of his governance. Under his leadership and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat has successfully expanded its healthcare initiatives to reach even the most remote and underserved communities, transforming policy ideas into tangible results.

One of the most notable achievements is the School Health–Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a flagship program that has benefitted over 4.5 crore children across Gujarat in the last three years.

Every year, nearly 1.89 crore children undergo comprehensive health screenings, with immediate treatment offered wherever feasible. For cases requiring advanced medical care, children are referred to Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), sub-district and district hospitals, medical colleges, and super-speciality hospitals—all at no cost to the families.

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Significant Healthcare Interventions in Gujarat

The program’s scale and effectiveness are evident in the substantial healthcare interventions it has facilitated. Over the past three years, the state has provided critical care to thousands of children, including:

• 45,000+ cardiac surgeries and treatments

• 4,149 kidney treatments

• 2,336 clubfoot corrections

• 1,408 cleft lip and palate surgeries

• 692 cancer treatments

• 751 cochlear implant surgeries

• 42 kidney transplants

• 23 bone marrow transplants

• 12 liver transplants

These life-saving interventions reflect the government’s commitment to addressing life-threatening and chronic health conditions in children.

Strengthening Early Diagnosis and Preventive Healthcare:

To ensure timely interventions and early diagnosis, Gujarat has set up 28 District Early Intervention Centres (DIEC) across the state, supported by 992 mobile health teams as part of the RBSK initiative. These teams conduct routine health checks for:

• Anganwadi children (up to 6 years)

• Students from Classes 1 to 12

• Newborns

• Out-of-school children (up to 18 years)

Moreover, all healthcare facilities in the state now conduct thorough birth defect screenings for newborns. As part of a structured approach, the state has also implemented the “4D” framework for systematic screening. This includes:

• Birth Defects

• Developmental Delays

• Diseases

• Deficiencies

This proactive, statewide health approach emphasizes the Patel government’s dedication to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and effective treatment for children across Gujarat.