Evaluation of District Early Intervention Centers under Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Background- ‘Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services’ Program or Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram is an effort under the National Health Mission to improve survival and decrease morbidity among under 18 year children.

Methods- A checklist was prepared for on-site observation of the DEICs. Records of the referral were collected from the state authorities for the period April 2019 to March 2020 to assess the process of referral.

Results – Out of four DEICs present in Uttarakhand, two DEICs of the Garhwal region were evaluated. DEICs were found deficient in manpower. Maximum beneficiaries (14.35%) were registered for the treatment of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Facilities like ECG cum Echo room and sensory integration room were absent in both the DEICs.  20.1% of the referred cases had health conditions that were not covered under the program.  73.4% of referred cases were under treatment at DEICs and the empaneled hospitals.

Conclusion- Shortage of infrastructure, equipment, and manpower at the point of implementation acts as a roadblock for the provision of services. The absence of these facilities defeats the purpose of DEIC as a one-stop center.