Gujarat Launches ‘Health Passport’ for 1.89 Crore Children

GANDHINAGAR — The Gujarat government has officially launched a "Health Passport" initiative designed to provide a continuous, authentic medical record for approximately 1.89 crore children and adolescents across the state. Introduced under the School Health-Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SH-RBSK), the program aims to bridge the gap between digital database entries and bedside clinical care, ensuring that pediatric health history is readily accessible to families and healthcare providers.

The initiative was formally inaugurated on June 27, 2026, by Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The project seeks to move beyond traditional record-keeping by creating a "master document" that consolidates a child's health journey, covering everything from routine check-ups and nutritional status to specialized medical interventions.

Strengthening Pediatric Healthcare

Under the new system, the Health Passport serves as a portable record of a child's medical history from birth through adolescence. While health data has historically been maintained on digital portals, officials noted that parents often lacked a physical document for routine consultations or follow-up visits. The new passport addresses this by providing a standardized, easily accessible record.

"This initiative is a critical step in pediatric healthcare, transforming how we monitor the development of our youth," stated an official government release. The passport is designed to track the four key health categories (4Ds) identified under the SH-RBSK program:

• Defects at birth

• Deficiencies

• Childhood diseases

• Developmental delays and disabilities

Seamless Integration and Accessibility

The implementation involves 992 mobile health teams that conduct annual screenings at Anganwadis, schools, madrasas, gurukuls, and special schools. Once a child’s health assessment is completed and data is entered into the central digital platform, the physical Health Passport is issued on-site.

According to state guidelines, the system is designed for ease of use:

• No Additional Documentation: Parents are not required to submit separate documents; the passport is generated based on the screening results.

• Digital Synchronization: All information in the physical passport is synchronized with the SH-RBSK digital portal. If a physical document is lost or damaged, a new copy can be retrieved by the mobile health team, ensuring no medical history is lost.

• Streamlined Renewal: For children under five or those not enrolled in school, the passport is renewed annually by the Medical Officer of the local Primary Health Centre (PHC). For school-going children, the principal coordinates the annual updates.

Official Sources

• Government of Gujarat – CMO Official News

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (SH-RBSK Guidelines) — Note: Primary data derived from state-level policy announcements.

Why It Matters

For families, this initiative provides a single, reliable point of reference for their child's health, simplifying the process of seeking medical care or referrals. For the state, it creates a robust, evidence-based data set that allows for better planning of nutritional support, vaccination schedules, and early intervention programs, potentially reducing maternal and infant mortality rates while addressing malnutrition.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Coverage: Approximately 1.89 crore children from birth to 18 years.

• Objective: To provide a comprehensive, portable record of medical history and developmental milestones.

• Implementation: 992 mobile health teams managing screenings across schools and Anganwadis.

• Policy Integration: Directly linked to the School Health-Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SH-RBSK) and the newly piloted PM Family Care Tracker.

FAQ

1. Is the Health Passport mandatory?

The initiative covers children under the state's SH-RBSK program, which provides for universal screenings. The passport is a tool to empower parents and healthcare providers with better record-keeping.

2. What happens if I lose the physical passport?

The system is fully digital. If the physical booklet is lost or damaged, a duplicate can be obtained from the mobile health team, as all data is stored on the SH-RBSK portal.

3. Does this replace regular medical check-ups?

No. The passport is a record-keeping tool. It is intended to be used during routine consultations and medical treatments to ensure doctors have immediate access to a child's full medical history.

4. Are there any costs involved?

No. The initiative is a state-funded program under the existing health framework, and there is no charge for the issuance or renewal of the Health Passport.

Source: Gujarat Chief Minister's Office