The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) marked a decade of continuous service to improve child health through early detection and intervention across Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills region on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO), RBSK Programme, East Khasi Hills in collaboration with National Health Mission (NHM), RBSK Meghalaya.
RBSK Consultant Johnson J Nongbet presented the district-wise comparative progress under RBSK and said that over 3.5 lakh children were screened across the Khasi Hills region. More than 4,000 children were identified with one or more of the 4Ds — Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays including disabilities.
Nongbet said East Khasi Hills led in total screenings and follow-ups, followed by West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
Referral linkages by DEIC Shillong to tertiary care centers within the State and to other empaneled hospital outside the State for free surgical management have shown significant improvement with East Khasi Hills at 58 per cent, West Khasi Hills at 57 per cent and South West Khasi Hills at 55 per cent.
“These numbers are not just data—they represent children whose lives are being changed through timely intervention,” he remarked.
Chairperson Dr. E.L. Kharmutee highlighted the need for stronger family counselling and rehabilitation follow-up, particularly for children with developmental delays.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and Deputy Commissioner Rosetta Mary Kurbah attended the 10th anniversary celebration as guests.
Lyngdoh in her keynote address acknowledged the relentless efforts of the RBSK teams and emphasized the need to scale up community awareness and follow-up care. “We must not only reach more children but also ensure continuous care and support to every child identified.”
Kurbah encouraged stronger interdepartmental coordination and assured continued support from the district administration.
Officials from RBSK & DEIC team from East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills attended the programme.
Mobile Health Team Pynursla Team B, East Khasi Hills and Nongstoin B, West Khasi Hills as the Best Performing RBSK team in the Khasi Hills region for 24 – 25 were recognised for their dedication, teamwork, and outstanding field performance during the celebration.
