Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani announced today the Atal 'Screening of Newborn for Enhancement of Health' (SNEH) Yojna to be started in the state from the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthday on December 25, 2016.
Atal Sneh Yojana - Introduction
Atal Sneh Yojana in Gujarat was launched on 25 December 2016 on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ninety-second birthday. The scheme was launched by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Vijay Rupani. It aims to ensure the health of children after birth. It was decided at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital that the scheme will cover children up to two months after birth.
After focusing on the health of children and covering some major diseases, the government has now shifted its focus to core issues. The Atal Sneh Yojana will replace the decades-old Annual School Programme that was carried out by the health and education departments.
For this new scheme, newborn children will be screened specifically to detect health defects and improve them. This is being launched widely across Gujarat. Under the scheme, newborn children will be screened and given treatment immediately if any illness is found. It will be carried out for two months.
- Through this scheme, children can receive better healthcare, which will help prevent malnutrition, disorders, and diseases.
- Around seven percent of newborn babies each year suffer from certain disorders, creating a serious issue on the international stage. By preventing such problems, the country can be better positioned in international health conferences.
- With such schemes, the government aims to build a stronger younger generation, which will contribute to a stronger nation.
- Children may suffer from severe diseases such as Down’s syndrome, congenital deafness, club foot, neural tube defects, etc.
- These are not all. Some diseases are present in a dormant state within genes. By checking children at a young age, doctors can treat them more effectively.
- The Chief Minister announced that all diseases detected at maternity homes will be treated by the government.
Eligibility
- All newborn children are eligible.
- Age should be up to two months after their birth.