Baala Roga OPD (ಬಾಲ ರೋಗ ವಿಭಾಗ):

The Department of Kaumarabhritya is dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of all children visiting our hospital. In our outpatient departments (OPDs), we provide preventive therapeutic care for healthy children as well as medical services for a broad spectrum of pediatric conditions. These range from minor illnesses, seasonal childhood diseases, allergic disorders, and pediatric skin conditions to gastrointestinal issues, behavioral disorders, and more severe conditions such as cerebral palsy and neurodegenerative disorders.

Mission:

The mission of the Department of Kaumarabhritya is to provide tender, loving care to children, helping them grow into healthy adults. We aim to instill virtues in children through Sanskara (rites of passage), ensure wholesome nutrition through Lehana and Swarnaprashana, and enhance their health and well-being through personalized care. By adhering to Ayurveda’s child-specific treatment modalities, we are committed to effectively managing childhood diseases while promoting holistic development.

Vision:

Our vision is to address the healthcare needs of all pediatric patients while ensuring affordable medical care for every child. Beyond general pediatric services, we aspire to offer palliative care through Ayurveda for children suffering from conditions like cerebral palsy, neuromuscular degenerative disorders, and genetic or chromosomal anomalies. Through Ayurveda’s holistic approach, we envision becoming an expert centre in behavioural paediatrics, providing personalized care for childhood behavioural disorders such as ADHD, Autism, and OCD. By blending tradition with modern understanding, we aim to transform paediatric healthcare and well-being.

Faculty in the Department of Kaumarabhritya

OPD Activities:

• OPD and IPD Care: Comprehensive outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) care is provided for all sick children visiting our hospital, catering to a wide range of pediatric conditions with personalized treatment.
• Free Medical Camps: Regular free medical camps are organized in nearby schools and Anganwadis, focusing on early diagnosis, preventive care, and raising awareness about pediatric health.
• Swarnaprashana on Pushya Nakshatra: Every month, on the auspicious Pushya Nakshatra day, Swarnaprashana (gold-ash preparation) is administered to children to enhance immunity, promote overall health, and support cognitive development.
• Health Awareness Programs: Periodic awareness sessions are conducted for parents and caregivers on topics such as child nutrition, hygiene, vaccination, and preventive healthcare.
• Community Outreach: Collaborating with local organizations to ensure access to healthcare for underserved communities and provide guidance on nurturing children’s physical and mental well-being.

Best Practices of the OPD:

• Free Medical Services: Free healthcare services are provided to underprivileged and economically disadvantaged patients, ensuring that every child receives medical attention regardless of financial constraints.
• Pediatric Library: A dedicated library is being developed for pediatric patients, offering child-centric literature and engaging books to:
  • Reduce screen time and discourage excessive use of mobile phones among In-patient paediatric patients.
  • Serve as a diagnostic tool by observing children’s behaviour and interests while interacting with books.
  • Act as an educational medium to teach children about health and wellness.
  • Provide therapeutic benefits, helping children cope with stress and anxiety during hospitalization.
• Toy Trove: In Ayurveda, Kreedanakas or toys are considered a great way of entertainment, education, diagnosis and treatment in paediatric diseases. With the help of our benevolent donors we are creating a TOY TROVE  to provide toys to our OPD and IPD patients. So far we have created a good collection of toys suitable to assess and treat developmental delays, physiotherapy toys, educational toys etc. Creating a child-friendly hospital environment with toys, books, and interactive activities also helps in making hospital stay a comfortable experience.
• Swarnaprashana Practice: Promoting Swarnaprashana as a preventive healthcare tradition to build children’s immunity and resilience against illnesses.
• Holistic Child-Centric Approach: Emphasis on integrating Ayurveda’s holistic principles into every aspect of pediatric care, ensuring physical, mental, and emotional development.
• Collaboration with Schools and Anganwadis: Building partnerships with educational institutions to track growth, development, and health concerns among children in the community.
• Parental Counselling: Providing guidance and counselling to parents for managing childhood behavioural disorders, stress, and developmental concerns, emphasizing the role of Ayurveda and holistic approaches in parenting.

These activities and practices ensure that the department not only provides excellent pediatric care but also contributes to community well-being, education, and preventive health.