Rising child deaths: Urgent need for pediatric care and parental awareness

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Following the aftermath of the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, various illnesses are now taking a toll on children, making this year particularly challenging for the younger population.

A surge in diseases such as Dengue, Adeno Virus, Pneumonia, Malnutrition, and Respiratory issues has significantly impacted children, resulting in a notable increase in child fatalities.

However, beyond these health challenges, the lack of attention from parents and the absence of a dedicated children's hospital, akin to the Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health in the city, are identified as the primary factors contributing to the rise in child deaths.

Regrettably, the state lacks a specialised children's hospital comparable to the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Bengaluru.

This absence forces families from various districts, including those in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, to travel for extended medical care for their children.

Physicians emphasise that parental neglect further compounds the issue, as many parents seek medical attention only in the eleventh hour, often after referrals from different hospitals.

Dr Sanjay, the Director of Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health , expressed concern over the alarming increase in child mortality, revealing that 380 children have lost their lives in 2023 between January and September.

With an average monthly enrollment of 1400-1500 children, the hospital witnessed a distressing trend of 40 to 50 child deaths per month.

The lack of timely and adequate treatment, especially during critical stages, has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the escalating death toll.

Despite the rise in dengue and pneumonia cases, the state's sole dedicated children's hospital struggles to provide optimal emergency care.

Doctors, activists, citizens and several authorities are urging the government to prioritize children's health by establishing sub-units of Indira Gandhi Hospital across the state.

Addressing the critical lack of proper treatment during the crucial early stages is imperative to curb the unfortunate trend of escalating child deaths.