State introduces first-of-its-kind Health Passport under SH-RBSK to create lifelong digital health records for children and adolescents
In a landmark initiative to strengthen child and adolescent healthcare, the Gujarat Government has launched the ‘Health Passport’, a first-of-its-kind programme designed to maintain a comprehensive health record of every child from birth until the age of 18 years. The initiative aims to improve continuity of care, strengthen preventive healthcare and enable systematic monitoring of children’s physical and mental development across the state.
The programme was launched on June 27, 2026, by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel under the School Health–Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SH-RBSK).
Health Passport to Cover 1.89 Crore Children
Under the SH-RBSK programme, nearly 1.89 crore children across Gujarat undergo annual health screenings conducted by 992 mobile health teams.
Although health records have been maintained digitally, parents previously lacked a portable document that could be easily used during routine consultations, referrals or medical treatment.
The newly introduced Health Passport addresses this gap by providing every child with a comprehensive and easily accessible record of their health history throughout childhood and adolescence.
Comprehensive Medical Record from Birth to Adulthood
The Health Passport will function as a master health document containing a child’s complete medical history from birth until the age of 18 years.
It will include:
- Basic personal details
- Age-wise health screening records
- Growth and developmental milestones
- Physical and mental health assessments
- Nutritional status
- Referral history
- Health and nutrition counselling
- Lifestyle guidance
- Emergency helpline information
The passport is intended to serve as a single reference document for parents, doctors and healthcare workers throughout a child’s developmental years.
Monitoring the Four ‘Ds’ of Child Health
A key feature of the initiative is the systematic monitoring of the four major health categories covered under SH-RBSK, commonly referred to as the 4Ds:
- Defects at Birth
- Deficiencies
- Childhood Diseases
- Developmental Delays and Disabilities
The passport will help healthcare providers identify health concerns early and ensure timely referrals and interventions wherever required.
Simple Issuance and Renewal Process
According to the Gujarat Government, parents will not be required to submit any additional documents to obtain a Health Passport for their children.
Health screenings will be conducted by SH-RBSK mobile health teams at:
- Anganwadis
- Government and private schools
- Madrasas
- Gurukuls
- Special schools
After the child’s health information is entered into the digital platform, the Health Passport will be issued at the screening site itself.
For children below five years of age and those not attending school, the passport will be renewed annually by the Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre (PHC).
For school-going children, annual renewal will be carried out by the respective school principal.
Digital Integration Ensures Easy Access
One of the major strengths of the initiative is its complete digital integration.
While parents will retain the physical Health Passport, all health information will also be securely stored on the SH-RBSK digital portal, enabling seamless record management.
If the physical document is lost or damaged, parents can obtain a replacement through the concerned mobile health team without losing the child’s medical history.
Strengthening Preventive Child Healthcare
The Gujarat Government said the initiative is aimed not only at maintaining medical records but also at encouraging parents to become active participants in monitoring and managing their children’s health.
By combining annual health screening, digital record-keeping and continuous monitoring of developmental milestones, the Health Passport is expected to strengthen preventive healthcare, facilitate early diagnosis of health conditions and improve coordination between families, schools and the healthcare system.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of building a healthier future by ensuring that every child has access to systematic health monitoring and timely medical care throughout childhood and adolescence.
