Children with congenital anomalies will now be able to get free of cost treatment and surgery under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which has been implemented at the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS).

Under the scheme, the patients will be able to receive accurate treatment for malformations using robotic surgical methods at the Lohia Hospital. In addition, several research projects are also underway pertaining to the development of new biomarkers for the identification of genetic diseases. Through this, experts will be able to diagnose diseases in the foetus itself.

Refferring to the move, RMLIMS director, Prof. Sonia Nityanand has said, "Under the National Child Protection Program, approximately 100 children have received free-of-cost surgical treatments to date. These children were afflicted with a range of medical conditions, including hydrocephalus, spinal cord abscesses, and leg paralysis."

"Thanks to the program, all of the children have been successfully treated and cured of their respective ailments, with the added benefit of not incurring any financial burden for the surgical procedures" she added.

Dr. Shrikesh Singh of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, RMLIMS further stated, "Robotic surgery has proven to be an effective medical intervention for pediatric patients, among others. While previously the costs of robotics ranged from 20 to 30 crores, recent advancements in technology have enabled the production of robotics at a more affordable price point. One notable advantage of robotic surgery is that patients of all ages can receive accurate treatment for varied ailments."

The new techniques clubbed with the health department's subsidy scheme is expected to help in the efficient treatment and diagnosis of congenital diseases.