Medanta Hospital, in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Guwahati City Branch and IAP Intensive Care Chapter, Assam, organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program in Guwahati to raise awareness on paediatric critical care, with a strong focus on respiratory illnesses.
The event was spearheaded by Dr Praveen Khilnani and Dr Rajiv Uttam from Medanta, Gurugram, who emphasized the urgency of managing paediatric viral infections that have recently surged nationwide. Dr Khilnani highlighted the ABCDE approach—Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure—as a foundational method in emergency care. He stressed that a mother’s or caregiver’s insight into the child’s condition often holds vital diagnostic clues. Dr Uttam, leading a panel discussion on “Recent Surge of Viral and Atypical Pneumonia in India,” underscored the impact of infections like mycoplasma pneumonia, RSV, and influenza among children under five. He attributed the seasonal spike in cases to monsoon-related respiratory stress, calling for stronger vaccination and nutritional support.
Paediatric clinics and hospitals have reported increased footfall of young patients with respiratory symptoms. Healthcare providers are stocking up on child-friendly nebulizers, antibiotics, and antivirals, with a noticeable uptick in preventive care awareness among parents. Local experts Dr Devajit Sarma, Dr Nayanmoni Deka, and Dr Diganta Barman also joined the discussion, echoing the need for regional preparedness.