Sandarbh Card Empowers Free Healthcare Access For Children Aged 0 to 18 In Gujarat
Ahmedabad: In a step towards child healthcare, the Gujarat government has been offering completely free medical treatment and surgeries for children aged 0 to 18 years under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). A crucial component of this scheme is the Sandarbh Card, which serves as an official referral document for children diagnosed with health issues. This card enables access to specialized diagnosis and treatment at no cost in government-approved hospitals.
The Sandarbh Card can be easily obtained by parents from the local municipal corporation or district panchayat health office using basic documents such as the Aadhaar card. No additional paperwork is required. Once issued, it allows children to receive free treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, including serious birth defects and life-threatening illnesses.
Conditions covered under the scheme include cleft lips, heart valve defects, hole in the heart, kidney issues, brain deformities, congenital cataracts, hearing impairments, and intestinal problems. High-cost surgeries such as cochlear implants, which can cost up to Rs. 10 lakhs in private hospitals, are performed free of charge at institutions like Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Similarly, surgeries for heart defects that would normally cost Rs. 2–3 lakhs are also covered under this program.
Screening for these conditions starts at birth. According to Dr. Jayesh Vankani, Health Officer of Rajkot Municipal Corporation, newborns undergo a primary health check to detect any of the “4Ds” — Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental delays including disabilities. If any condition is detected, the child is immediately referred through the Sandarbh Card for further evaluation and treatment.
Children in Anganwadis are screened twice a year, and school-going children are examined once annually. Even children who are not enrolled in school are included in the program. Upon identifying any health concerns, children are referred to the District Early Intervention Center (DEIC) where specialists conduct detailed evaluations. Based on these findings, the Sandarbh Card is issued, authorizing free treatment or surgery at a government-approved facility. Documents like mother and child’s Aadhar cards, child’s birth certificate, ration card and doctor’s report are required to access the card.
This initiative ensures that no child in Gujarat is deprived of necessary healthcare due to financial constraints. By covering surgeries and treatments worth lakhs of rupees, the Sandarbh Card plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for thousands of children across the state.