The Karnataka government has accorded administrative approval to implement universal newborn screening for congenital and metabolic disorders in the Kalyana Karnataka region at a cost of ₹5.58 crore under funding from the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB).

The scheme aims to screen newborns for five metabolic disorders — hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, phenylketonuria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency).

Approval for similar screening has already been granted in mining-affected areas under the National Health Mission and the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation.

The latest approval covers KKRDB districts — Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagar — excluding mining-affected areas, where newborns will undergo screening for these disorders.

The government has also directed authorities to conduct surveys in healthcare institutions across these districts to identify shortages of medical equipment required for detecting rare metabolic disorders and to procure them within the sanctioned grant limits after obtaining necessary approvals.

Further, healthcare personnel are to be trained in conducting newborn screening and related procedures, according to the order.