Patna: Experts at the 34th annual two-day conference of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) emphasized that the role of paediatricians must evolve to address shifting paediatric realities. Speaking on the opening day of Bihar Pedicon 2026, Dr Neelam Mohan, national president of the IAP, warned that the medical community is failing to adequately recognize the changing landscape of child healthcare.
Dual Burden of Traditional and Lifestyle Diseases
Dr Mohan noted that over the past two decades, child healthcare has entered a complex transition phase. Paediatricians now face a dual burden: traditional health challenges such as bacterial infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and undernutrition, alongside a sharp rise in lifestyle diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. This situation is further compounded by increasing environmental allergies and a growing mental health crisis among children. Citing studies, she revealed that one in seven children faces psychological issues, yet only 20% of such cases are recognized by doctors.
Opportunities in Routine Vaccination Visits
To address these challenges, Dr Mohan urged paediatricians to use routine vaccination visits as opportunities for wellness, growth, and developmental counselling. She stressed the need to guide parents on nutrition, noting that according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 11% of children aged six months to two years receive a minimum acceptable diet. She added that early screening can help prevent conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease. Highlighting changing lifestyle patterns, she said children aged 10 to 18 years in India spend an average of three to four hours daily on screens.
Hidden Hunger and Micronutrient Deficiencies
Echoing these concerns, Dr A K Jaiswal, chairman of the scientific committee, drew attention to “hidden hunger,” or micronutrient deficiencies. Referring to a Lancet study, he said one in every two children aged one to eight years lacks essential vitamins and minerals, increasing the risk of impaired cognitive development, weakened immunity, and autism. He recommended including nuts, legumes, fruits, animal-source foods, and fortified products in children’s diets.
Impact of Sodium Intake and Recommendations
Dr Piyush Gupta of ICMR-Delhi highlighted the link between excessive sodium intake in childhood and hypertension in adulthood. He noted that while adults should consume less than 5 grams of salt per day, children require lower amounts. He advised parents to avoid processed foods and commercial fruit juices and instead promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by fresh home-cooked meals.
Continuity in Maternal and Neonatal Care
Dr Lalan Bharti, national president of the National Neonatology Forum, stressed the need for continuity in maternal and neonatal care. Dr Praveen Kumar and Dr Pratap Patra highlighted the importance of early diagnosis of rare diseases and called for its inclusion in national health policy.
