Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK 2.0) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, under the National Health Mission |
| Benefit | Free health screening, free treatment and management, including surgeries at tertiary level |
| Who can apply | Children from birth to 18 years of age |
| How it is given | Mobile health teams at Anganwadi centres and schools, then referral to government facilities |
| Apply at | Your nearest Anganwadi centre, school or government health facility, or nhm.gov.in |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- RBSK covers children from birth to 18 years of age.
- It screens for 32 common health conditions under four groups called the 4 Ds.
- Treatment and surgeries at government facilities are free.
- Screening happens at Anganwadi centres and schools, so you do not need to go far.
So what does a child actually get?
Children are screened for four kinds of problems, called the 4 Ds. These are defects at birth, deficiencies, diseases, and development delays including disability.
In total the programme covers 32 common health conditions for early detection.
Children found with a problem are referred for free treatment and management. This includes surgeries at tertiary level hospitals.
The revised RBSK 2.0 guidelines, released in May 2026, now also include mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, and risk factors for diabetes and hypertension.
Who can get these check-ups, and who cannot?
The programme is for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Children aged 0 to 6 years are reached through Anganwadi centres. Infants delivered at home are tracked by ASHA workers.
Children aged 6 to 18 years are covered in government, aided and private schools, junior colleges and ashram schools.
There is no income limit for screening. It is meant for every child in the country.
Why was this programme started, and what has changed?
RBSK is run under the National Health Mission, which the Government of India launched in 2013.
Its aim is early identification and early intervention, so that small problems do not become lifelong disabilities.
In May 2026 the Union Health Ministry released RBSK 2.0. It adds digital health cards, real-time data systems and stronger referral tracking.
What documents should you keep ready?
Usually no special paperwork is needed for screening at an Anganwadi or school.
Keep your child's birth certificate or Aadhaar handy, as it helps in registration and in creating a digital health card.
For treatment at a hospital, carry the referral slip given by the screening team, along with your ID and mobile number.
How do you get your child screened?
Visit your nearest Anganwadi centre if your child is under 6. Ask when the mobile health team is visiting.
If your child is in school, ask the school head teacher when the screening team will come.
Parents can also contact the local block health office or the district health office to ask about the schedule.
Mobile health teams usually include medical officers, a pharmacist and a nurse, depending on the state.
- 1Find your nearest centre or schoolChildren under 6: visit the nearest Anganwadi centre. Children aged 6 to 18: ask the school head teacher.
- 2Ask about the mobile team visitAsk the Anganwadi worker or head teacher when the mobile health team is visiting.
- 3Check the schedule with health officesIf needed, contact the local block health office or the district health office for the schedule.
- 4Get screened for the 4 DsThe mobile team, usually with medical officers, a pharmacist and a nurse, screens the child. No special paperwork is usually needed.
- 5Carry the referral slip to hospitalIf a problem is found, take the referral slip with your ID and mobile number to the higher-level government facility.
- 6Follow up if treatment is delayedIf the referral is delayed or no one contacts you, ask the Anganwadi worker, school or block health office to follow up.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
What happens after screening, and what if the treatment is delayed?
If a problem is found, the child is referred to a higher-level government facility for diagnosis and treatment.
A referral tracking system follows the child through the whole care pathway, so cases are not dropped.
If the referral is delayed or you are not contacted, ask the Anganwadi worker, school or block health office to follow up.
In some states, screening is recorded on a state health app, and each child gets an individual digital health card.
Where to get help, and what to watch out for?
Screening and treatment under RBSK are free. Never pay anyone for a check-up or a referral.
If someone asks for money in the name of RBSK, report it to the district health office or the local police.
For more information, visit nhm.gov.in. Contact your state health department for state helpline numbers, as these vary.
Frequently asked questions
Is RBSK free?
Yes. Screening, treatment, management and surgeries at government facilities are free under RBSK.
Which age group does RBSK cover?
RBSK covers children from birth to 18 years of age.
What is the 4 Ds?
The 4 Ds are defects at birth, deficiencies, diseases and development delays including disability. RBSK screens for these.
What is new in RBSK 2.0?
RBSK 2.0 adds mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, and risk factors for diabetes and hypertension. It also introduces digital health cards.
Do I need an income certificate?
No. RBSK screening is for all children and does not depend on family income.
Where is screening done?
Screening is done by mobile health teams at Anganwadi centres and schools.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
