RBSK Meghalaya marks 10 years with felicitation programme in Jowai

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 12, 2025

To mark the 10-year milestone of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a felicitation programme was organised by RBSK Meghalaya at GHM Guest House, Myntdu, Jowai, on March 12. The event recognized the contributions of healthcare professionals, mobile health teams, and stakeholders dedicated to early identification and intervention in child healthcare, addressing the 4Ds—defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays—from birth to 18 years.

Freddy Passah, Assistant Commissioner, Jowai, attended as the chief guest, along with Dr P Shylla, District Medical & Health Officer, Dr Helen Uriah, DMCHO, Dr AE Pastwet, Pediatrician, Dr J Lakiang, MO DEIC, and medical teams from West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and Ri Bhoi District.

Speaking at the event, Passah lauded the team’s commitment to reaching remote areas and ensuring timely medical care. Dr I Gatphoh, State Nodal Officer, RBSK, expressed pride in the programme’s decade-long journey, highlighting its impact on child health since its launch in 2013. She credited the success to the efforts of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and ASHA workers and reaffirmed RBSK’s commitment to a healthier future for children in Meghalaya.

Dr Gatphoh emphasized RBSK’s role in early screening and intervention, including free treatments and life-changing surgeries for congenital heart disease and cleft conditions. She noted a decline in infant and child mortality rates and the integration of child health screening in schools, Anganwadi centres, and healthcare facilities.

Dr HL Suting, DEIC Manager, Jowai, stressed the need for stronger early referral systems for birth defects and developmental delays. In his vote of thanks, Johnson J Nongbet, Consultant, RBSK-NHM, expressed gratitude to all involved in strengthening child healthcare initiatives.