RKSK is a health program in India that helps teenagers in many ways. It doesn't just work from clinics, but also goes to schools, homes, and communities. By working with parents and communities, RKSK encourages healthier living and aims to improve the public health system to better care for teenagers.
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) is a strong health programme. It was started by India’s Health Ministry in January 2014. This programme focuses on all-around development of young people in India. It goes beyond just dealing with reproductive and sexual health.
It includes looking after their diet, mental health, and preventing substance abuse and chronic diseases, along with other aspects of adolescent health.
What Are the Objectives of RKSK?
- Improve Reproductive and Sexual Health
- Provides support to young parents
- Works to decrease teen pregnancies
- Encourages awareness among young parents to prevent future health problems related to childbirth
- Boost Mental Health of Young People
Only 41% of India’s young people seek help for mental health problems. This programme makes sure every young person can reach their full potential and make informed decisions.
- Stop Violence and Injuries Among Young People
- The programme helps young people develop positive attitudes to stop violence and injuries among themselves.
- Enhance Nutrition
- Addresses malnutrition among young people
- Tackles iron deficiency or anaemia among young boys and girls in India
- Stop Substance Abuse
- Raises awareness among young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
- Handle Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
About one in every 10 young people has started smoking, and a quarter of them aren’t physically active. Also, young people in cities are at a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases. So, RKSK promotes awareness and starts effective programs to encourage a healthy lifestyle among the young population.
What Are the Features of RKSK?
- RKSK in India wants to help teenagers from the LGBTQ community grow in all aspects of life.
- It includes programs for both city and countryside areas.
- It uses 6 different ways, known as the 6 Cs, which involve setting up clinics and talking to teenagers in their schools, communities, and homes.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare teamed up with the United Nations Population Fund to create a strategy for improving the health of adolescents.
Who Are the Beneficiaries of the RKSK Program?
The young population between the ages of 10 and 19 is one of the main target groups. It includes both married and single men and women, regardless of their financial situation. This programme also covers young individuals who are not currently enrolled in school.
What Is the Implementation Strategy of RKSK?
Action Steps:
- A peer education program is run in 200 high-need districts based on health indexes.
- There are community-based activities.
- Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AHFCs) have been established in all state health institutions.
- The scheme supports the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Program for students.
- The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme provides money to states and Union Territories. This helps local officials buy sanitary pads for girls aged 10-19.
The RKSK Program Works With Several Other Ministries:
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport
- Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Ministry of Women and Child Development
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Ministry of Human Resource Development
Furthermore, several other programmes work together under this scheme:
National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases
- National Tobacco Control Program
- Child Health
- Maternal Health
- National AIDS Control Program
- National Mental Health Program
- Family Planning
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
The success of this scheme lies in the collaboration of different ministries and programs. It helps in using resources wisely to achieve the set goals. Apart from this, the scheme uses direct person-to-person communication to bring about positive social and behavioural changes.
Is There Any Application Procedure for RKSK?
There is no direct application procedure for beneficiaries. Instead, services under RKSK are delivered through various outreach activities, clinics, and schools that are part of the program.
Points to Remember: Summary
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FAQs
Which initiative of the Government of India has launched adolescent-friendly health clinics?
The Government of India launched adolescent-friendly health clinics under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) program.
When was the National Adolescent Health Programme started?
The National Adolescent Health Programme, also known as Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), was started in January 2014.
In which age group is the focus of the National Adolescent Health Programme?
The focus of the National Adolescent Health Programme is on the age group of 10-19 years.
What is the purpose of RKSK?
The purpose of RKSK is to address and cater to the diverse health needs of adolescents in India, promoting their overall well-being and development.
What is peer education in RKSK?
Peer education in RKSK involves training adolescents, referred to as 'Saathiya', to educate their peers about various health issues, thereby creating awareness and fostering healthy habits.
When did Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram launch in India?
The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram was launched in India in January 2014.
