Preprint / Version 1

Expansion of India’s national child healthcare programme, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), for rare disease management : a health policy perspective

Authors

  • Pragya Chaube Department of Science & Technology, Centre for Policy Research, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru, India
  • Arun Singh India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
  • Mohua Choudhury Department of Science & Technology, Centre for Policy Research, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru, India

Keywords:

Rare diseases, Public health, Child health, Healthcare system, Low and middle income countries (LMIC), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Abstract

Rare diseases (RD) are severe and debilitating conditions. They are one of the leading causes of childhood mortality globally. In India, RDs have not been considered in most healthcare programs which usually cater to more common diseases. We believe, that for efficient utilization of resources in a resource-constrained healthcare system, existing programs must integrate RD management strategies. In this study, we explore the utility, expandability, and limitation of one of the important national child healthcare programs, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) which translates to National Child Healthcare Program. We found that RBSK has immense potential to cater to RDs through some of its unique features, such as comprehensive screening, wide target age group, and efficient utilization of resources. We provide recommendations that can help to strengthen the present program. This study will inspire other low-resource countries to identify and expand existing public healthcare programs for RD management. Moreover, RBSK can serve as a model program to integrate RD management globally. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-023-02761-y. Keywords: Rare diseases, Public health, Child health, Healthcare system, Low and middle income countries (LMIC), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Author Biographies

Arun Singh, India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Government of India, New Delhi, India

Mohua Choudhury, Department of Science & Technology, Centre for Policy Research, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru, India

Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru, India

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