District Early Intervention Centre established at Nerchowk Medical College

The centre aims at identifying deformities in children at an early stage and providing treatment free of cost.

Speaking to Tribune, Dr Hitanshu Manta, in-charge of the District Early Intervention Centre, said that under the scheme, the team of doctors of the RBSK goes to every school and Anganwadi to examine children and sends them to the Early Intervention Centre (RBSK) if treatment is needed.

"Under this program, children below 18 years are treated free of cost. If treatment is not available for any disease in any health institution of the state, then arrangements are made for free treatment at the PGI, Chandigarh," she added.

"Various types of equipment have been installed in this centre to test the physical and intellectual development of children. A child-friendly atmosphere has been created for the children," said Dr Hitanshu Manta. 

There are multiple DEICs all across the country. They provide interdisciplinary approach of multi-disciplinary teams placed under one roof by housing age appropriate and domain specific equipment and with specific trained domain specialities. DEICs also act as the apex centre of the district and ensures comprehensive services under one roof, with a holistic approach to children with special needs and also provides referral linkages.

These initiatives have been instrumental diagnosing defects in infants and providing the required interventions.