India, March 1 -- In a move towards early identification and treatment of diseases, the Maharashtra public health department will launch a special statewide health screening drive under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) beginning March 1.

As part of this drive, a comprehensive medical examination of over 1.66 crore children across the state will be carried out, said officials.

The special drive - conceptualised by state public health minister, Prakash Abitkar - will be formally inaugurated by deputy chief minister and Pune district guardian minister Ajit Pawar on March 1 at Indira Gandhi Model School, Aundh, Pune.

Elected representatives including MLAs, Zilla Parishad (ZP) members and local officials have been invited to the ...