Kochi, 10th September 2024: At the recently concluded Aster Kids Eighth Annual Monsoon CME on Pediatric Emergencies, Dr. Basavaraja G V, National President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), emphasized the critical need for pediatric intensivists in India. With the rise in pediatric critical care cases, he suggested expanded formal training programs to meet the growing demand. Dr. Basavaraja also highlighted the crucial role of corporate hospitals in advancing pediatric care across the country by setting up PICUs that adhere to western standards and attract well-trained professionals.
The CME on Pediatric Emergencies discussed a series of scientific sessions covering critical topics such as the identification of a sick child, snake bites, pediatric burns, cardiac arrhythmias, oncological and surgical emergencies, acute liver failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, respiratory support in children, and challenges in management of children. Organized by Aster Medcity in collaboration with the IAP Kochi Branch, the CME provided paediatricians with a comprehensive understanding of various paediatric emergencies and their management within Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU).
While progress has been made, access to critical care services remains limited in many parts of the country, contributing to India’s under-5 mortality rate of 29 deaths per 1,000 live births. The IAP is actively addressing these gaps by publishing guidelines for PICU standards and spearheading advanced pediatric care training programs. The CME held at IMA House featured a panel of senior pediatric intensivists, experienced pediatricians, and experts in pediatric sub-specialties leading various sessions.
“Pediatric intensive care in India has seen significant advancements over the past few decades. The country now boasts several well-equipped pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in both public and private hospitals. These units offer specialized care for critically ill children, including advanced monitoring, respiratory support, and complex interventions.Aster Medcity is 1 of 59 institutes in India that are accredited for conducting The PediatricIntensive Care Fellowship post MD in Pediatrics,” said Dr. Jeeson C Unni, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics- Aster Medcity and Organizing Chairman of the CME.
A hands-on pre-conference workshop on emergency pediatric care and ventilation was also conducted at Aster Medcity, offering valuable training to a wide range of medical professionals. This workshop is specifically designed to benefit a wide range of professionalsinvolved in the management of critically ill children.
Aster Medcity’s Dr. Jeeson C Unni, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics and Organizing Chairmanof the CME, Dr. Shimmy Paulose, Kerala State IAP President, Dr. Vivin Abraham, Kochi IAP President, Dr. Sebastian Paul, Consultant in PICU- Aster Medcity, and Organizing Secretary, Dr. Krishnamohan, Kerala State IAP Secretary and Dr. Abey Mathew, Kochi IAP Secretary spoke during the event.
