Varanasi: In the village of Arajiline, Varanasi, a 9-year-old boy beams with joy as he runs barefoot across the courtyard, his laughter echoing through the fields. Just a few months ago, his life was starkly different. Born with clubfoot, he could only watch from the sidelines as other children played. But today, thanks to the Sabal Kashi initiative, he has undergone corrective surgery and now enjoys the freedom of movement like never before.

Similar is the story of Sameer, a spirited 5-year-old boy who no longer struggles with a hole in his heart. His parents recall the sleepless nights spent worrying about his fragile health. After receiving treatment through the initiative, Sameer is now thriving, full of energy, and ready to take on the world.

And then there’s the heartwarming transformation of an 8-year-old girl whose life was shadowed by her cleft lip. Once hesitant to even smile, she now radiates confidence, her face glowing with a new sense of self-esteem.

These are just a few of the many success stories emerging from Sabal Kashi, an initiative that is reshaping the lives of children born with congenital anomalies in Varanasi.

Launched as a joint effort between multiple NGOs, hospitals, and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Sabal Kashi is tackling the silent yet pervasive issue of birth defects in India. 'The programme has already achieved a remarkable milestone transforming the lives of 104 children through life-altering surgeries and treatments', says Himanshu Nagpal, Chief Development Officer, Varanasi.

A survey conducted across anganwadi centers in Varanasi identified 278 children with birth defects. From this group, 104 have already undergone successful medical interventions, giving them a fresh lease on life. Conditions like cleft lips, clubfoot, congenital heart disease, and hearing impairments are being addressed with expert care, ensuring that these children can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

A critical component of the initiative is the dedicated Sabal Kashi portal, which serves as a bridge between families and healthcare providers. This user-friendly platform allows parents, ASHA workers, hospitals, and anganwadi workers to report cases of congenital defects, ensuring no child is left behind. Once registered, the cases are tracked by RBSK doctors, who provide timely medical interventions.

“This portal is a game-changer,” says Nagpal. “It ensures that children in even the most remote corners of Varanasi have access to the care they need. Our aim is to treat 1,000 children with birth defects this year.”

Inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor Anandiben Patel, Sabal Kashi is more than just a healthcare initiative - it is a movement that combines technology, compassion, and community support to address the often-overlooked issue of birth defects. By aligning with the goals of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, the program is ensuring that no child in Varanasi is deprived of their right to a healthy life.

BI Bureau