Sun Jan 05 21:28:17 IST 2025: ## 4.35 Lakh Children in Tamil Nadu Identified with Developmental Issues
**Chennai, January 5, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health (DPH) has announced that its screenings over the past year identified 4.35 lakh children with developmental delays, birth defects, deficiencies, or diseases. According to a letter from DPH director T.S. Selvavinayagam, approximately 1.14 lakh children were referred to district early intervention centers for specialized care, while the remaining cases are being managed at primary health centers.
Dr. Selvavinayagam commended the district health officials and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram team for their efforts. He also instructed teams to plan and publicize advanced screening tours, coordinating with the school education department and utilizing the directorate’s website and the school education management information system for reporting. Hospital newborn units are mandated to upload screening data and anomaly reports to the website to ensure timely intervention.
First Piper 