Two out of five kids have health issues, says BMC

Around 24 lakh children will be screened under the initiative. Representation pic

The ongoing health screening initiative organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revealed that two out of five children in the city are suffering from health issues. So far, the civic body has identified 4.4 lakh children suffering from minor and major illnesses and referred them to healthcare facilities for treatment.

The health screening for school children and adolescents had been completely halted due to COVID-19. The civic health department has started the process again after a gap of almost three years, under the ‘Aware Parent, Healthy Child' campaign which was started in Mumbai on February 9. Under the campaign, the civic body is conducting health check-ups of children and adolescents in the 0-18 year age group.

According to the BMC's health department, between February 9 and May 31, 12,01,265 children were screened, of whom 4,40,246 were ill. "Most of these children had common health issues related to dental, skin, eye and upper respiratory tract infections. The children diagnosed with a major illness were referred to the nearest hospital for treatment," said a BMC official. Teams have been constituted at three levels for the initiative. There are 265 teams in all.

Who's getting screened

BMC's Executive Health Officer Dr. Mangala Gomare said that teams have been conducting health screening at schools, colleges and anganwadis, and also for street children who do not go to school. Illnesses, deficiencies and developmental disorders occurring in children of growing age are being investigated by the team. Those suffering from various health problems are referred to maternity homes, primary health care centres, peripheral and medical colleges and hospitals for treatment, depending on their health issues. Around 24 lakh children are to be screened in Mumbai under this campaign.

4.4 lakh
No. of children with illnesses identified so far

Campaign objectives

£To provide health check-ups, with preventive and curative health facilities to all under the age of 18
£To provide counselling facilities for safe and sound health
£To provide immediate treatment for sick children
£To treat sick children by providing referral services (medicine, surgery, etc.)

Places of inspection

£Government and semi-govt schools and junior colleges
£Private School
£Schools for the visually impaired and handicapped
£Anganwadis
£Private nurseries, kindergartens
£Children's homes and children's correctional homes
£Orphanages
£Social welfare and tribal department hostels
£Screening of street children through health posts