India must invest in building strong children for its future, Deepak Parekh, chairman, HDFC has said.
Mr. Parekh was speaking at the Rose Day celebrations of Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital on Thursday. Mr. Parekh said the country had consistently under-invested in human and social resources, and had earlier pointed out that with 40 per cent of its population below the age of 18, India had a promising future with a young workforce. However, with high rates of infant and child deaths, no universal health coverage, high out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare, shortage of quality paediatric care and the rapid growth of child cancers, more dedicated hospitals such as Childs Trust were needed he said.
Chairman of the hospital A.C. Muthiah spoke of the hospital’s constant efforts to improve facilities and of its vision to treat children from less privileged backgrounds.
A number of facilities including a bone marrow transplantation unit, four isolation rooms, four newly renovated operation theatres, a new laboratory and a 40-bed neonatal intensive care unit were inaugurated on the occasion.
State Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan gave away presents to children who have undergone or are undergoing treatment for cancer, supported by the Ray of Light Foundation. The evening ended with a video of the national anthem performed by carnatic musician T.M. Krishna along with children cured of and being treated for cancer.
CME programme
On Wednesday, at a continuing medical education programme organised at the hospital, palliative care providers spoke of their experiences. How much time doctors spend time listening to patients determines the quality of service provided, they said. Palliative care specialist Mallika Tiruvadanan, who inaugurated the programme, explained that it is not just for cancer or for terminal illness but for a whole set of conditions, and for all those who should be made comfortable. “Most doctors are afraid to palliate and brush it off. At least, make them (patients) comfortable,” she said.
It is important to treat the ailing child as a person, explained Mary Ann Muckaden, president of the Indian Association of Palliative Care. From June 2017, the Association plans to introduce university-based courses that doctors and nurses could take and become trainers. Course modules were being developed, she said.
A bone marrow transplantation unit and 4 isolation rooms were among the facilities inaugurated
