The Indian government has launched RBSK 2.0, an updated version of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), to address emerging health issues among children and adolescents. The new guidelines, unveiled by the Union health ministry during the National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery, expand the programme's focus to include mental health screenings and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. Building on over a decade of implementation, RBSK 2.0 enhances the existing framework, which originally focused on defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays, by incorporating behavioral disorders and lifestyle-related diseases.

The revamped programme aims to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for children aged 0 to 18 years, with an emphasis on digitalization and continuity of care. Screening services will continue to be provided through mobile health teams at anganwadi centres and schools, ensuring wider outreach. The new guidelines also strengthen referral pathways to facilitate seamless transitions from community screening to facility-based diagnosis and treatment. Digital health innovations, including health cards and real-time data systems, are expected to improve efficiency and accountability within the programme. Overall, the government's efforts aim to enhance child health outcomes through early detection and sustained follow-up care across India.