Karnataka to expand Sneha Centres, set up integrated counselling units in govt. health facilities

Karnataka has approved the expansion of adolescent-friendly Sneha Centres and the establishment of integrated counselling units across government health facilities to strengthen services under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).

RKSK, a Government of India programme implemented in the State under the National Health Mission (NHM) since 2015-16, focuses on improving the health and well-being of adolescents aged 10-19 years. Under the programme, Adolescent Friendly Health Centres (AFHCs), known as Sneha Centres in Karnataka, provide counselling and basic health services.

At present, gaps remain in implementation, with 14 districts lacking Sneha clinics. While some districts have infrastructure, counsellor positions are vacant, affecting service delivery.

Expansion of centres

The government has now decided to operationalise counselling services at all health facilities — from district hospitals to sub-centres — by utilising counsellors available under various NHM programmes. A Government Order (GO) in this regard has been issued on April 1.

Where counsellors are not available, medical officers, staff nurses, and sub-centre staff will be trained in adolescent counselling. Outpatient services under Sneha Centres will continue through existing medical and paramedical staff, the order stated.

Integrated counselling

A key component of the GO is the creation of Samagra Samalochana Kendra (SSK), an integrated counselling model to be set up at district hospitals, taluk hospitals and community health centres.

Under this model, counsellors working in different programmes, such as mental health, NCD, TB, adolescent health, and others, will function as integrated counsellors, offering services across programmes instead of being limited to specific beneficiary groups.

Infrastructure, training

Health facilities have been directed to designate private spaces for counselling, with basic infrastructure such as tables and chairs. Multiple counselling units can be created within a facility for better access.

Counsellors will receive additional training to handle cross-programme responsibilities, supported by digital tools and learning resources developed under NHM. Monitoring and reporting will be streamlined under a single supervisory structure at the district and State levels. Field outreach activities will also be integrated. For instance, school visits under RKSK can be combined with community outreach under other programmes to improve efficiency, the GO stated.

School linkage

The government plans to develop a consolidated resource module by combining existing RKSK materials, School Health and Wellness Programme content and modules developed by NIMHANS.

The initiative will also be aligned with the Education Department’s systems. School health ambassadors may be designated as nodal teachers for RKSK activities, and awareness content will be integrated into the curriculum.

Special OPD services

A system will be developed to identify high-need children through screening programmes. Specialist consultations — such as paediatric, psychiatric and orthopaedic services — will be organised on the 13th of every month for such cases.