KARACHI: The 8th National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Symposium concluded on Sunday, highlighting concerns over the slow progress made so far in the field of child healthcare in the country.

It also proposed innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges impeding development in the sector.

The theme of this year’s symposium was “Towards Child Equity: Bridging the Gap for Every Child.

Speaking on the occasion, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon emphasised the need for a shift in focus towards primary care amidst substantial government investments in tertiary healthcare facilities.

He also spoke about the success stories of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology and Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, underscoring the importance of extending similar official support to institutions like NICH.

NICH symposium calls for improved govt funding to address vast medical needs of children

Prof Memon stressed the necessity of self-generating funds to support essential healthcare services, announcing plans for an international medical college at JSMU to alleviate funding constraints.

NICH Executive Director Dr Nasir Sadal expressed gratitude to the dedicated faculty members for their tireless efforts in organising the symposium.

He spoke about the symposium’s theme, contextualising it within global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, political unrest, environmental crisis and economic instability.

“With nearly 40 per cent of Pakistan’s population consisting of children and adolescents, there is an urgent need for optimised government allocations to address the vast healthcare needs of this demographic,” he noted.

Part of the scientific sessions was a discussion on child and adolescent psychiatry led by Dr Jawed Akbar Dars, associate professor and official in charge of psychiatry at the NICH.

Experts including Dr Sher Mehrani, a Karachi University faculty member, Dr Nadeem Iqbal, a psychiatrist at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, shed light on the problems experienced during adolescence and highlighted effective coping strategies.

Dr Erum Khan, a PhD psychologist, underscored the significance of neurodiversity and advocated for inclusive care.

Prof Syed Zafar Haider offered insights into parenting, drawing from both scientific and religious perspectives.

The speakers provided valuable insights into contemporary issues in various aspects of child and adolescent psychiatry, addressing the lifespan factors contributing to mental health disorders.

With Pakistan’s youthful demographic, the importance of clear policies in managing these issues was emphasised to prevent potential challenges for future generations.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2024