The Gujarat government has taken a pioneering step by introducing digital health cards to monitor the cognitive development and nutritional status of schoolchildren. This initiative, implemented under the Shala Arogya-National Child Health Program (SHRBSK), marks Gujarat as the first and only state in India to adopt such a system.

Launched on June 12, 2023, coinciding with the 20th Shala Praveshotsav (School Enrolment Drive), this comprehensive health check-up campaign aims to ensure the well-being of over 1 crore schoolchildren across Gujarat over the next 30 days.

SHRBSK, a collaborative effort between the central and state governments, caters to children from newborns up to 18 years old, covering those in Anganwadi centers, primary schools, secondary/higher secondary schools, as well as school dropouts.

The program offers free health check-ups, diagnosing various ailments including anaemia, malnutrition, skin diseases, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other illnesses. It comprises 992 mobile health teams, each consisting of doctors, pharmacists, and health workers, tasked with conducting health check-ups statewide.

Children diagnosed with ailments during the campaign will receive free treatment at government health institutions, ranging from Primary Health Centres to super specialty hospitals.

Key Features

A prominent feature of this initiative is the introduction of the ‘Digital Health Card,’ designed to monitor students’ nutrition levels and cognitive development. It will provide insights into various health parameters such as height, anaemia levels, and nutrition status. Health teams and community health officers will update students’ health details on the digital health card, accessible to both students and parents.

Moreover, nodal teachers and community health officers will collaborate to facilitate Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID) for all students during the campaign.

Integrating Health and Academic Reports

The Gujarat government aims to integrate health and academic reports to ensure the holistic growth and development of every student. Health check-ups will be conducted quarterly, with the final health report integrated into students’ mark sheets and report cards, promoting a comprehensive approach to education and health.