Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: In a major policy shift, the Centre will now screen all children from birth to 18 years for diabetes and provide free, lifelong treatment through the public health system, expanding its flagship Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) to address a growing burden of the disease in younger age groups.The guidance document, released by the Union health ministry at a national public health summit, lays down a structured national framework for screening, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of childhood diabetes. It integrates community- and school-based screening with district-level care, aiming to ensure early detection and continuity of treatment.The rollout is part of the Centre’s revamp of RBSK 2.0, which adopts a lifecycle approach from birth to 18 years and expands its “4Ds” framework to include non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, along with mental health and behavioural conditions. The guidelines also flag rising lifestyle risks—including poor diet, reduced physical activity and increased screen exposure—and introduce digital tracking and structured follow-up systems to strengthen continuity of care.Under the protocol, mobile health teams will screen children in schools and anganwadi centres for symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue and weight loss—the “4Ts” warning signs. Suspected cases will undergo immediate blood glucose testing and be referred to district NCD clinics for confirmation and treatment.The move comes amid growing concern over diabetes in younger populations. While Type 1 diabetes remains the most common form in children and requires lifelong insulin, the document notes a rise in Type 2 diabetes among adolescents, driven largely by increasing obesity and sedentary habits.Experts say prevention will be critical. “Obesity among children has risen sharply, and with it we are seeing more diabetes. Lifestyle changes need to begin early, especially at the school level, as habits formed in these years shape long-term health. Strengthening school-based health programmes and ensuring consistent implementation will be key,” said Dr Jugal Kishore, Director Professor and former Head, Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital.District hospitals have been positioned as the backbone of care, offering a comprehensive free package that includes diagnostic services, lifelong insulin therapy, glucometers, test strips and regular follow-up. The programme also includes counselling and training for families on insulin use, monitoring and emergency care.The framework links early detection with advanced care, with standardised treatment to prevent complications. Officials said timely diagnosis enables normal growth and better outcomes. The initiative aims to reduce mortality, ease financial burden and ensure uninterrupted care, with focus now on implementation.
