Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume: 15 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 122-129
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20251216
Impact Assessment of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) on Beneficiaries in a Rural Area of West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Study
Rashid M1, Ray K2, Basu M3
1Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Rampurhat Govt Medical College & Hospital
2Professor & Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata
3Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, ICARE Institute of Medical Science and Research, Haldia
Corresponding Author: Ray K
ABSTRACT
Background: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a nationwide programme aimed at screening and early intervention for children with birth defects, developmental delays, and disabilities. Despite its implementation, there is limited evidence on the programme's effectiveness and challenges faced by caregivers and Mobile Health Teams (MHTs).
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the impact of RBSK among beneficiaries in a rural area of West Bengal; explore the challenges faced by the caregivers and MHTs while availing the services and in implementing the RBSK programme respectively.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with convergent parallel mixed-method approach was conducted using secondary data and telephonic interviews with caregivers, as well as in-depth interviews with 4 MHT members in Budge-Budge-II block of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.
Results: Out of 88 children identified to have 4 ‘D’s (disease, deficiency, defect, and developmental delay) (April 2022-May 2023), 76 caregivers were interviewed telephonically, and among them 48 (63.2%) children attended the DEICs (District early intervention centres) for further management. Reasons for non-utilization of subsequent services were preference for private providers and denial of referral. Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), long waiting periods and multiple visits were the challenges faced by caregivers. MHTs faced challenges like staff shortage, transport issues and lack of co-operation from Anganwadi centers and Schools.
Conclusion: Nearly one-third of beneficiaries did not utilize RBSK services after referral by the MHT, primarily due to preference for private providers. Caregivers faced challenges such as out-of-pocket expenditure, long waiting periods, and multiple visits, while MHTs faced staff shortages, transport issues, and lack of cooperation from Anganwadi centers and schools.
Key words: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, RBSK, child health, public health programmes