Indian Academy of Pediatrics Hosts Annual Conference in Jamshedpur

IAP Jamshedpur unveils two new wings focused on adolescent health and pediatric neurology.

Key Points:

– IAP Jamshedpur’s 28th annual conference launched two specialized wings.

– National and regional experts discussed rising childhood diseases and treatments.

– 10% of Indian teens are involved in substance abuse, raising mental health concerns.

JAMSHEDPUR – The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Jamshedpur branch convened its 28th annual conference at Manipal Medical College in Baridih, highlighting critical health issues among children and adolescents.

The event began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by esteemed guests.

In a significant milestone, IAP introduced two specialized wings: the Adolescent Health Academy (AHA) and the Academy of Pediatric Neurology (AOPN) Jharkhand Chapter.

These units aim to address the unique health challenges faced by teenagers, focusing on holistic care and mental health.

Expanding Pediatric Expertise

Experts from across India, including Dr. Geeta Patil from Bengaluru and Dr. Hima Bindu Singh from Hyderabad, shared insights on emerging diseases in children.

Discussions covered conditions like diabetes, autism, and respiratory ailments, which have seen a sharp rise.

Former IAP officer Dr. K.K. Chaudhary remarked, "The past decade has seen rapid updates in medical science, making such conferences essential for doctors to stay informed."

Participants emphasized the need for modern diagnostic techniques and collaborative strategies to address these challenges effectively.

Adolescents at Risk

Dr. Hima Bindu, National Chairperson of the AHA wing, highlighted alarming trends in adolescent substance abuse, with 10% of teens aged 13–19 engaging in drug use.

She noted behavioral changes such as isolation and excessive time in bathrooms as warning signs.

“Parents should not hesitate to seek professional advice when they notice unusual behavior,” she stated.

Advanced diagnostic tools can now detect substance abuse within minutes, aiding early intervention and effective counseling.

Mental Health and Parental Role

Dr. Geeta Patil, National Chairperson of the AOPN wing, discussed the increasing rate of suicides among adolescents.

She attributed this to hormonal changes, career pressures, and unrealistic parental expectations.

"Parents must engage with their children daily to understand their mental state," she advised, underscoring the importance of friendly communication and timely intervention.

The conference underscored the pressing need for awareness, early detection, and collaborative efforts to mitigate these issues.