A panel made up of representatives from AIIMS Delhi, and other paediatric medical organizations told the Centre that early screening and using digital hemoglobinometers to shorten the wait time for blood tests could help minimize anaemia in youngsters. The committee′s recommendations are intended to be implemented in order to carry out the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative (AMB).

Dr. Sanjay Rai, professor Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, stated that till now, Anganwadi personnel visited homes or schools where the haemoglobin is measured using a blood collection technique in which the report takes time to appear. However, utilizing a digital hemoglobinometer makes the findings instantly available, saving time and allowing for the coverage of more kids. The youngster will only need to place their finger on the device for it to identify their anaemia status.

The panel has outlined 10 action plans for reducing anaemia in the nation. Additionally supporting it is the Indian Association for Adolescent Health, Indian Public Health Association, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, and Unicef India.

The committee has recommended that screening for AMB begin when children are younger than five years old or enrolled in preschool. AMB only allows for adolescent anaemia screening at this time. Children with anaemia begin to show symptoms at six months. Early detection is critical to receive a recovery aid faster.

According to the National Family Health Survey-5, 31% of adolescent boys and 59% of adolescent girls are anemic. 67% of children under the age of five are anaemic. Other suggestions made by the panel include a special focus on children attending private schools and children who are not in school and an increased emphasis on dietary strategies for reducing childhood anaemia.

The group also recommended making all medical facilities "child-friendly" hospitals and contemplating anaemia screenings for everyone who enters a medical facility. The panel suggested expanding the school lunch program from elementary and middle schools to high schools and colleges and private schools.

(Source:  https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/early-blood-test-digital-screening-machine-can-curb-anemia-in-kids-aiims-delhi-panel/96460467)