Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda is set to unveil a comprehensive child healthcare programme aimed at strengthening early childhood care and improving health outcomes for children from birth to three years of age. The initiative will focus on providing structured home based care, early identification of health risks and timely interventions during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the programme will provide up to nine home visits for all newborns during the first 42 days after birth, while children identified as high-risk will receive up to eight additional home visits until they reach 36 months of age. The initiative is designed to strengthen community based healthcare delivery and ensure continuous monitoring of child health and development.

The programme builds on India’s ongoing efforts to reduce infant and child mortality, improve nutrition outcomes and promote early childhood development. During home visits, trained healthcare workers will assess newborn growth, nutritional status, immunization coverage, developmental milestones and potential health complications, while also providing counselling and support to families.

India has made significant progress in improving child health indicators over the past decade. According to the latest government data, the country’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined to 26 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also shown consistent improvement. However, experts note that the first three years of life remain critical for physical growth, cognitive development and long term health outcomes.

The initiative places special emphasis on children identified as vulnerable due to factors such as low birth weight, premature birth, malnutrition and other medical conditions. Regular home based monitoring is expected to facilitate early detection of developmental delays and health risks, enabling timely referral and treatment.

Public health experts have welcomed the programme, noting that community based interventions and home visitation models have proven effective globally in improving maternal and child health outcomes. Strengthening primary healthcare services during early childhood can also contribute to reducing preventable illnesses and improving long term developmental outcomes.

The launch of the programme reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening maternal and child healthcare services and advancing universal health coverage. By extending structured healthcare support beyond hospitals and into communities, the initiative aims to ensure that children receive comprehensive care during the most critical stages of early life.