Kochi: Paediatric cardiology care should be strengthened to reduce mortality among children, and paediatricians should give greater priority to cardiac care in their routine clinical practice, said Dr. M.K. Nandakumar, State President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). He said timely identification and early, appropriate treatment of critical cardiac conditions such as Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and Long QT Syndrome in newborns and children are crucial to preventing mortality and associated complications. He was speaking after inaugurating the 10th Aster Kids Monsoon CME, jointly organised by the Centre of Excellence in Pediatrics and Neonatology and the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Aster Medcity, along with the IAP Kochi Branch.
Dr. T.R. John, Chief of Medical Services, Aster Medcity, said the Monsoon CME, initiated by Dr. P.C. Alexander, former Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Aster Medcity, to introduce advanced treatment practices from around the world, has evolved over the past decade into one of the leading continuing medical education (CME) programmes in the state. Dr. Zulfikar Ahmed delivered the Dr. P.C. Alexander Memorial Lecture. The one-day conference, which focused on paediatric cardiac disorders, featured scientific sessions, panel discussions and case presentations on congenital heart diseases, pulmonary hypertension in newborns, Kawasaki disease and emergency cardiac care. A quiz competition was also conducted for postgraduate students.
Dr. Jeezon C. Unni, Senior Consultant, Aster Medcity and Organising Chairman, presided over the function. IAP Kochi President Dr. Vijayan, Organising Secretaries Dr. Annu Jose and Dr. V.V. Bijesh, IAP State Secretary Dr. Gopimohan, IAP Kochi Secretary Dr. Satyanath Nair, Dr. Edwin Francis and Dr. M. Narayanan also spoke.
