I shall push for dedicated child health ministry: Dr Khalatkar

 

 

 

“Child health is an important aspect. They are the future citizens of India who would steer country at a new height. As it is said that health is wealth, if we take care of our children’s health then they would prove to be the asset for our country. Taking this aspect into account, I have planned to push for dedicated ministry for child health. If that is done then we can work on several aspects regarding child health,” asserted Dr Vasant Khalatkar, a Nagpurian for whom city feel proud as on Thursday he took charge of President of Indian Academy of Pediatricians (IAP) at a glittering ceremony at Hyderabad. In a momentous victory, Dr Vasant Khalatkar, Senior Paediatrician from Nagpur was elected as the National President of Indian Academy of Pediatricians (IAP). Dr Khalatkar became the first President after 31 years to win the polls conducted for this prestigious post. Dr Uday Bodhankar had won IAP polls in 1992. While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ on phone from Hyderabad, Dr Khalatkar said, “I am very happy and felt exhilarated when I took the reigns of this coveted post.

 

I have several plans which I would convert those into reality.” During the tenure of outgoing President Dr GV Basavaraja, IAP made significant strides toward advocating for a dedicated Ministry for Child Health. This crucial step prioritises the well-being of India’s youngest citizens. Dr Khalatkar’s leadership will continue to champion this cause, working tirelessly to make this vision a reality. Guided by the theme, ‘To Serve – Children, Colleagues, and Country,’ Dr Khalatkar’s leadership will usher in a year of transformative initiatives aimed at advancing child health and empowering the pediatric community. Visionary Programs for 2025 under Dr Khalatkar’s stewardship, the IAP has outlined several key initiatives that prioritise children’s health, strengthen pediatric healthcare delivery, and engage the government in impactful policy advocacy.

 

“Newborn care is another sector where we need to focus. In collaboration with the Government of India, IAP will focus on strengthening newborn care services. This initiative aims to improve neonatal health outcomes through innovative practices and robust systems, setting new benchmarks in paediatric care,” Dr Khalatkar made it clear. Dr Khalatkar has been working on the anemia component in children. He has included ‘Bye Bye Anemia’ in his plan. This nationwide campaign aims to combat childhood anemia by delivering mobile clinics to underserved areas. These clinics will provide essential screenings, nutrition counseling, and supplementation to ensure every child receives the care they deserve.

 

“The third point on which I want to work during my tenure is of ‘Child Safety on Roads’. Many children die on roads because of lack of safety measures. In most cases it has been found that we haven’t made child car seats and seat belts mandatory. Recognising the rising concerns about road safety for children, IAP has also prioritised the advocacy for mandatory child car seats and seat belts,” Dr Khalatkar said out of concern. Dr Khalatkar feels, child care in rural areas can be improved with PPP model and by training of pediatricians.

 

Dr Khalatkar has adopted few special kids and treating them with charity since last 10 years. Dr Khalatkar had worked as the Chief Organising Chairman of the 55th National Conference of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (PEDICON), which was held in Nagpur in 2018, a grand event witnessed the presence of 9,000 paediatricians from across the nation. Soon he got nationwide recognition as a disciplined organiser and visionary leader which made him Chairperson of Academy of Pediatric Neurology in 2021. Dr. Khalatkar’s presidency promises to build upon rich legacy, introducing groundbreaking initiatives like Project IAP-AI for leveraging artificial intelligence in pediatric care, and Save Teens Mission, which addresses critical adolescent health issues, including mental health, substance abuse, and bullying.