JOIN USBala Sanjeevini, a lifeline for children
About 12,272 children from a total of 12,983 children between ages 0-6 enrolled in the Bhagyalakshmi scheme were tested in November 2010 and 382 children were picked for further check up. A total of 40 children out of which 33 children suffering from heart ailments, one from eyesight problem, one having tumour on forehead, one having speech and hearing problem, one having defecation problem, one having nerve problem, one child with urinary problem and one child having cleft lip have been identified for surgery in Dakshina Kannada district.
“About 69 malnourished children have been identified under grade three and 9 under grade four and even these children will receive specialised treatment under the scheme. It was easy to identify the girl child as many had enrolled under the Bhagyalakshmi scheme. The survey to identify male child has been undertaken and will complete by April 15,” says Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Shakuntala, speaking to Deccan Herald.
KMC Hospital has been identified as one of the 5 centers in the State where children can avail treatment. As the clinical facilities of KMC hospital, Mangalore, are attached to Wenlock Hospital and Lady Goshen Hospital, children can also avail treatment in these hospitals, she adds. A sum of Rs 17.5 lakh has been released to KMC Hospital as first installment and the further installment will be released as per utility, informs Shakuntala.
The scheme will provide a treatment cover of Rs 50,000 to neonatal children and Rs 35,000 for the rest. Parents accompanying the child will also receive Rs 100. Children can avail treatment for 18 diseases such as pneumonia, anaemia, diabetes, malaria, heart ailments, liver problems and others.
“The main objective of this scheme is to reduce the infant mortality rate and improve malnourishment treatment,” says Shakuntala.
“It’s a fine programme focusing on convergence of healthcare and welfare at micro-level. The individualistic financial assistance will strengthen hands of the treating doctors enabling them to provide quality treatment. This scheme will be a great help for migrant labourers,” says DK District Bala Sanjeevini Programme Nodal officer and KMC Mangalore Pediatrics HoD Dr Shantharam Baliga.