Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03:
The 2-day XVI East Zone PEDICON and the XI MANIPEDICON were formally inaugurated by Governor Dr SS Sidhu at a solemn function at the JN Dance Academy here this afternoon.
The annual conference for paediatricians from the eastern region is being held in the State for the second time, the earlier one being the sixth edition which took place in 2000.Contingents gathered here represented West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar, Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam apart from the host State Manipur.
The theme for this edition is Child Friendly Education.
Dr Sidhu described health care system as a basic need for every human being, in particular for the children.
Hence, he emphasized prioritization of the children's welfare while chalking out health care programmes.
He also expressed satisfaction at the low infant mortality rate prevalent in the State and attributed it to the efforts of pediatricians and the hospitable climatic condition in Manipur.
Director of JN Dance Academy Yambem Laba entreated the doctors to formulate a special mechanism for treatment of the children here, considering that those born during the last two decades have grown up in extremely disturbing conflict situation.
The mental condition of these children warranted special study as they suffered maximum stress brought about mainly by social unrest and AIDS pandemic, he asserted.
Other notable speakers were Upasna Varu, project director-HIV-AIDS, UNICEF; Dr G Sarangi, president, IAP, East Zone; Dr B R Master, former president; Dr T Nabachandra, organizing chairperson and Dr Shymakumar Laishram, the organising secretary.
Thirteen child specialists, including Dr H Ibemhal Devi from Manipur were felicitated during the function.
A souvenir and scientific bulletin were also released by Dr Sidhu and Yambem Laba respectively at the occasion.