Over the past three years, screenings in Karnataka have identified congenital heart conditions in 41,000 children. Shockingly, fewer than half of these children have received appropriate treatment. With heart attack cases rising among the youth in the state, the fact that around 20,000 children remain deprived of care has caused significant alarm. These defects are detected under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).Levi's Men's Slim Fit Mid Rise 511 Mid-Rise Jeans
Congenital heart disease refers to a condition where a child is born with a heart abnormality. Developmental defects in the fetus's heart during pregnancy persist after birth. Under the RBSK program, these conditions are identified, and affected children are referred to specialized hospitals for free treatment. Care is provided through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust and the Ayushman Bharat – Health Karnataka scheme. Also Read: Alert! Alert! Cyber Scammers on the Prowl During Festival Season... Looting in the Name of Offers!
However, continuous screening and follow-up for every child remain a major challenge. Many families do not return for post-treatment consultations or maintain proper records. Health department officials state that while regular scanning during pregnancy can detect congenital heart issues early, post-birth record-keeping is creating problems. They recommend integrating any abnormalities found in scans with government databases.
Medical experts emphasize that detecting congenital heart problems early and providing immediate treatment allows children to lead normal lives. Improved maternal care, ongoing monitoring of children, and better coordination of health programs can enhance the quality of life for thousands of children.