Gujarat Becomes First State To Issue Digital Health Cards For Students

© Contributed by Free Press Journal Gujarat is the first state to publish digital health records for students

The Government of Gujarat has launched an initiative to release digital health records to monitor the cognitive development and nutritional status of school children.

Under the Shala Arogya National Children's Health Program (SHRBSK), Gujarat was the first and only state in the country to implement such a system.

The launch of this global health screening campaign took place on 12 June 2023, coinciding with 20 shala praveshotsav (school entrances).

Over the next 30 days, over one million school-age children in Gujarat will undergo health screenings to ensure their well-being as part of this special campaign.

SHRBSK is a joint federal and state government initiative targeting children from birth to 18 years of age. It covers students in Anganwady centres, primary schools, secondary schools and high schools, as well as early school leavers.

Under this program, the state government offers free health screenings that diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including anemia, malnutrition, skin conditions, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other conditions.

The Shala Arogya National Child Health Program has 992 mobile medical teams, each made up of doctors, pharmacists and health professionals. These teams will conduct health screenings for students across the state.

Children diagnosed with diseases as part of the campaign receive free treatment in public health settings, from primary health centers to specialized hospitals.

Main features

One of the main features of this initiative is the introduction of a "digital health card". The digital health card is used to monitor students' nutrition and cognitive development, providing information on various health parameters such as height, level of anemia and nutritional status.

SHRBSK's mobile health teams and community health workers will work with school node staff to update student medical records on a digital health card available to both students and parents.

Also, school leaders and community health workers will work together to enable all students to have Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID) during the campaign.

Integration of medical and academic reports

The Gujarat government also maintains medical and academic records. Data integration between the departments of health and education aims to ensure the holistic growth and development of each individual student.

School health checks will be conducted every three months starting this year, providing accurate and up-to-date information on their well-being throughout the year.

The final medical exam will be included in student transcripts and reports, promoting a holistic approach to their education and health.

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