AI SummarySishu Saathi is a child health scheme run by the Health and Family Welfare Department of the West Bengal government. It gives free cardiac surgery and medical treatment to children with congenital heart defects, cleft lip and palate, clubfoot and neural tube defects, so that no child is left behind because of money problems.
Launched in August 2013, the scheme has so far given free treatment to more than 63,000 children, with the state spending over Rs 300 crore on it. The scheme continues to run, and families in West Bengal can still get their children treated free of cost.
Sishu Saathi - Introduction
Sishu Saathi is a child health scheme of the Health and Family Welfare Department of West Bengal. It works as part of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram under the National Health Mission. The scheme makes sure that children who need heart surgery or treatment for certain birth defects get it without any out-of-pocket cost.
This scheme bridges the gap between critical medical needs and money problems. By working with government hospitals that have paediatric facilities and some top private hospitals, Sishu Saathi covers the whole journey from diagnosis to surgery and post-operative follow-up care, all free.
Key Information
| Key Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sishu Saathi |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Target Age Group | Up to 12 Years |
| Financial Assistance | Fully Funded (Free) |
| Nodal Department | Health and Family Welfare Department |
| Launch Date | August 2013 |
| Children Treated So Far | More than 63,000 |
Benefits
Sishu Saathi provides strong support to families in need:
- Early Detection: The government runs health screenings in state-run schools under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram to spot heart defects and other birth conditions early.
- Free Surgery: All eligible children get life-saving cardiac surgery and treatment without paying anything, and the state health department bears the whole cost.
- Complete Care: The scheme covers the full journey from diagnosis to surgery and post-operative recovery, so families face no money burden.
Eligibility
Children can get support under Sishu Saathi if they meet these criteria:
- The child should be up to 12 years of age.
- The child should be a resident of West Bengal, whether from a rural or urban area.
- There is no income bar. A child from a poor family and a child from a middle-income family are both equally entitled to free treatment if they meet the medical requirements.
- A doctor must diagnose the child with a congenital heart defect, cleft lip or palate, clubfoot, or a neural tube defect that needs treatment.
Application Process
Families can follow this simple process to get help:
STEP 1 - Most children are found through health screenings in schools or routine check-ups under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram. If a doctor spots an issue, the child is referred for further tests.
STEP 2 - Take the referral documents and medical reports to the nearest government hospital that has paediatric facilities, or to any empanelled private hospital.
STEP 3 - The hospital authorities handle the registration and confirm the child's eligibility for treatment under Sishu Saathi. Once approved, the surgery and follow-up care are done free of cost.
For more details, visit the Official Portal.
Documents
Keep these documents ready during the registration process:
- Age Proof: A birth certificate or any valid government document confirming the child's age.
- Medical Records: All diagnostic reports and doctor recommendations showing the heart condition or birth defect.
- Identity Proof: Valid ID documents for the parents or guardians, such as an Aadhaar card or Voter ID.
References
Official Guidelines | Child Health Programme | News Update
FAQ's
What is Sishu Saathi?
Sishu Saathi is a child health scheme of the West Bengal government that gives free cardiac surgery and treatment to children with congenital heart defects and certain birth conditions.
What is the objective of this scheme?
The main aim is to make sure no child suffers from a heart defect or birth condition because of a lack of money, giving every child a fair chance at a healthy life.
Who qualifies for this support?
Any child up to 12 years of age living in West Bengal qualifies. There are no income restrictions for receiving these benefits.
Which medical issues are covered?
The scheme covers congenital heart defects, cleft lip and palate, clubfoot, and neural tube defects.
Is there an income limit to apply?
No, there is no income limit. A child from a family earning ₹5,000 a month and a child from a family earning ₹50,000 a month get the same quality of care.
Where can my child get treated?
Treatment is available at government hospitals that have paediatric facilities and at some empanelled private hospitals across West Bengal.
How do I get my child enrolled?
Children are usually found through school health screenings or government facility referrals. Families can also directly approach a government hospital to start the process.
Are surgery costs completely covered?
Yes, the West Bengal government covers all hospital expenses, including surgery and post-operative care, so families pay nothing.