Meet highlights impact of environment on child health
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 08 2024:
The Paediatric Association of Manipur (PAM) organised the 38th MANIPEDICON at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) conference hall, Lamphelpat, under the theme "Environmental Influences on Child Health: Addressing Local Challenges" on Sunday, bringing together experts and stakeholders to deliberate on the effects of environmental and socio-political factors on children's health.
Speaking as the chief guest, Manipur University vice-chancellor Prof Naorem Lokendra highlighted the dual challenges of socio-economic instability and political conflict in the state, which he said have deeply affected children both mentally and physically.
"The impact on children's daily lives is profound.
Development without proper planning creates societal issues that particularly burden children, teens, and elderly persons," he remarked.
Prof Lokendra also raised concerns about environmental degradation, including deforestation and poor urban planning, which have led to problems such as vector-borne diseases stemming from improper drainage.
He urged the conference to address these pressing issues and explore interventions to alleviate the impact on vulnerable populations.
PAM organising secretary Dr L Basanta emphasised the importance of regular discussions on environmental changes affecting children's health.
He called for collective efforts to frame effective paediatric care policies, noting that PAM has been a key player in addressing children's health issues since its establishment in 1989.From an initial membership of 10, the association now boasts 78 paediatricians who are actively involved in treatment innovation, awareness programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Many of the PAM members are not only healthcare providers but also trainers in the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, he added.
PAM president Dr Ch Shyamsunder Singh and PAM patron member Dr Th Nabachandra Singh, who also attended the programme as presidium members, underscored the association's role in shaping paediatric healthcare policies and training future healthcare providers.
During the event, a souvenir commemorating MANIPED-ICON 2024 was released.
The conference served as a platform to address critical health challenges faced by children in the state and reaffirmed PAM's commitment to improving paediatric care amidst evolving environmental and societal challenges.