Bengaluru, March 12: The Karnataka Congress government announced on Thursday that it will establish District Early Intervention Centers (DEIC) across all districts by next year. This initiative is part of the National Child Health Program (RBSK) aimed specifically at benefiting children with disabilities.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao made this announcement in response to a question raised by Congress MLA Prakash Kolivada in the Assembly.
The RBSK program focuses on the early detection and timely treatment of disabilities and health issues in children. DEICs will be set up to identify and treat children facing developmental delays and other health problems at an early stage.
Minister Rao stated that these centers will be staffed with pediatricians, nurses, cardiologists, and ophthalmologists, with some locations also including psychologists to provide specialized support for children.
Currently, there are 17 DEICs operating in the state, with a new center set to open soon in Koppal. Rao emphasized, “The government has decided to establish these centers in all districts. Early identification and treatment of health issues can have a significant positive impact on children’s futures.”
Addressing the issue, MLA Prakash Kolivada highlighted the importance of DEICs, noting a significant gap between the estimated number of children with disabilities in the state and those registered. According to a survey, approximately 6.3% of children in Karnataka are disabled, yet only 137 are registered in his Ranibennur constituency, where around 18,000 disabled children are estimated to reside.
Kolivada also pointed out that there is currently no DEIC in Haveri district, and the proposal to establish one has not yet been approved. He expressed concern that many children, especially from low-income families, are unable to receive medical assistance due to the lack of such centers, with some seen struggling on the streets.
The MLA shared a personal connection, stating that his own daughter has a disability, and he described the sector as neglected. He urged the government to expedite the approval of a DEIC in Haveri.
He further mentioned that thousands of children have been identified under the RBSK program, but they must travel to cities like Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga for treatment.
Kolivada also called for the introduction of tele-therapy and tele-counseling services at the taluk level, along with a digital tracking system for disabled children. He believes this would help the government identify their needs and provide necessary support, leading to healthier future generations.
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