Bengaluru: More than 19.3 lakh cases of skin conditions and 18.8 lakh cases of dental problems were identified among schoolchildren across the state in the past three years, according to health department data. Sources said there has been a shift in the trend, as malnutrition used to be the dominant health concern previously. State govt annually screens over 1 crore children in anganwadi centres and govt and govt-aided schools for 40 health conditions under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). According to the data from 2023-24 to 2025-26, mild anaemia was the third highest prevalent condition detected among children with 15.16 lakh cases, followed by relative airway disease (RAD) at 12.10 lakh, vitamin B-complex deficiency at 8.81 lakh. Since the beginning of current year, health department recorded 4.31 lakh cases of skin conditions, 3.84 lakh cases of dental conditions, 4.37 lakh cases of mild anaemia, 2.04 lakh cases of RAD, and 2.01 lakh cases of B-complex deficiency. “While skin conditions like eczema and scabies are likely linked to hygiene issues or allergies, dental issues like cavities are caused by food habits. Obesity has also become a matter of concern now,” said a senior official. The official said vitamin B-complex deficiency, which can result in fatigue, slow growth and anaemia, was recorded more in districts like Kalaburagi and Belagavi. “We are mapping out deficiency levels across the state to provide targeted interventions,” the official added. Health department principal secretary Harsh Gupta said special drives will be conducted for targetted screening and treatment of skin and dental conditions.“Children are referred to nearby govt or private medical facilities for treatment after screening, depending on severity. We will examine the need for providing B-complex tablets to students. They are already given iron and folic acid supplements weekly. If needed, we will suggest dietary changes to mid-day meals for supplementation,” he added.
