Implementation of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram in Himachal Pradesh: A Study

Abstract

The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a flagship initiative under the National Health Mission aimed at improving child health through early detection and management of 4Ds (Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental delays), including disabilities. Himachal Pradesh, with its unique topography and scattered population, presents both opportunities and challenges in implementing such health programs. This study evaluates the implementation of RBSK in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on its impact, challenges, and effectiveness. The primary objective of the study is to know the opinion of the beneficiaries regarding facilities provided under RBSK Program. The study was conducted in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. For the purpose of present study total 200 sample respondents were selected with the help of purposive, snowball and convenience sampling techniques. Both primary and secondary data were used. With the help of pre-tested questionnaire, the required information was collected from the selected samples from different categories as mentioned in the sampling part. The results were analysed with the help of average and percentage. The findings highlight that while RBSK has been effective in identifying and addressing many child health issues, significant gaps remain in terms of infrastructure, manpower, and community awareness. The mobile health teams (MHTs) have played a crucial role in screening children at schools and anganwadi centers, but logistical challenges, such as inaccessible terrain and limited health resources, have affected their reach. Despite these challenges, the program has shown success in linking identified cases to treatment and follow-up services, albeit inconsistently. The study concludes that while RBSK has positively impacted child health in Himachal Pradesh, its full potential remains untapped due to operational and infrastructural barriers. Strengthening community engagement, enhancing resource allocation, and addressing logistical challenges are critical for improving the program's effectiveness.