Surat: Health screening of school students in the city under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) has brought out incidence data on birth defects and developmental delays. The study shows that 8,748 students have vision impairment, while 319 have congenital heart disease, out of the 11.75 lakh students screened between April 2024 and Feb 2025.
A total of 9,813 students were found to be suffering from developmental delays, the largest being vision impairment, which 8,748 students were found to have. Another 177 were found to have have language delay. Of the total, 96 suffered from neuro-motor impairment and 86 had motor delay.
“Early stimulation therapy is useful in addressing developmental delay in children. It is also needed that pregnant mothers are examined regularly to identify issues early,” said Vijay Shah, former head of the paediatrics department at Government Medical College, Surat.
“The high number of vision impairments among total developmental delays is a concern. These delays are mostly noticed in premature birth and low birth weight babies,” Shah added.
Apart from congenital heart diseases, children were found to have defects such as cleft lip and palate, club foot and Down’s syndrome. A total of 489 students were found to have birth defects.
“Women’s health is most important even before planning pregnancy and pre-conceptional counselling can help to identify issues. Further antenatal care during pregnancy helps identify health complications at an early stage,” said Dr Kedar Trivedi, associate professor at Government Medical College, Surat.
“Early intervention after birth can help identify health issues in a child and given stimulation can be given. Further regular medical guidance can help improve the overall health of a child,” said Dr Chandni Choraria, developmental and behavioural paediatrician.
