Department of Paediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS, Guwahati intends to deliver the best quality of healthcare to children and provide the highest quality of learning experience and research opportunities for all students and staff. The department works towards the broad vision of establishing a center of excellence with all sub-specialties, delivering the highest quality of tertiary care in the region along with harboring compassion for the sick and commitment to serving the underserved. 

The department is committed to being accountable to society, mentoring the students to learn and excel in child health services, delivering family-centered and child-friendly services, promoting team spirit, and practicing a multidisciplinary approach. The department aims to be one of the centers of excellence in medical education, training, health care, research, scientific culture, and academic activities in India. 

Vision

Our vision is to be one of the best pediatric centers in Northeast India in the field of medical education, training, health care, research, and academic activities

Mission

Our mission is to deliver the highest quality tertiary level care for pediatrics in Northeast India, to become the institute of first preference for trainees to get quality training in Paediatrics and its subspecialties, to excel in medical research, and to also develop collaboration with other medical colleges of Northeast India for delivering the best of education, patient care and medical research. 

Services Provided

1. Outpatient Department (OPD): Pediatric OPD Services from 9 AM-4 PM (Patient registration till 2 PM) Monday to Friday
2. Pediatric Neurology OPD services: Monday and Thursday Room No.1009 [9 AM-2 PM]
3. Teleconsultation services (9 AM-4 PM: Monday to Friday); 9 AM-1 PM: Saturday: 92879-98263.
4. Immunization Services: Immunisation to all children according to the National Immunisation schedule on Monday to Friday in room No 1035.
5. Inpatient services (Pediatric ward): For admission of children for evaluation and for admission of sick children
6. Pediatric Emergency Room/Casualty Service- for emergency management of sick children
7. Video EEG Services: The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati started a video EEG facility, specifically aimed at serving the diverse needs of the North East community. This advanced facility, as part of the Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, was officially inaugurated on December 20, 2023, by Prof. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati.
8. NCV Services- The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati started the Nerve Conduction Velocity facility, specifically aimed at serving the diverse needs of the North East community. This advanced facility, as part of the Pediatric Neurophysiology Laboratory, was officially inaugurated on November 14^th, 2024, by Prof. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati.

Teaching

The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati, integral to the undergraduate curriculum as a primary specialty, has diligently implemented the principles of Competency-based Medical Education. The department has developed a detailed curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies to achieve specific competencies at various stages of their education. Beyond didactic lectures and bedside clinical sessions, the curriculum includes integrated teaching, app-based quizzes using Socrative, role-playing, seminars, self-directed learning, and focused group discussions to enhance learning outcomes.

    During clinical posting, faculty members actively engage in bedside demonstration, guiding students on proper patient history taking and physical examinations of patients. Undergraduate students are evaluated through end-of-rotation clinical exams, regular formative assessments, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).

    For postgraduate education, the department has designed a comprehensive curriculum that includes regular seminars, journal clubs, contextual discussions, and case presentations designed to deepen the clinical insights of senior and junior residents as well as postgraduate trainees. Daily grand rounds feature in-depth clinical discussions on newly admitted cases, further enriching the residents' learning experience.

    Additionally, the department places a strong emphasis on faculty development programs to enhance educational effectiveness. Residents and postgraduate trainees receive structured guidance in research methodologies, along with comprehensive support in the development and implementation of their theses,  ensuring a strong academic and clinical training environment.

Research

The faculties of the department are involved in conducting ethical and high-quality research addressing the knowledge gaps in research areas. This also includes funded and interdisciplinary collaborative research.

Compiled list of all the publications from the Department for the year 2023- 24

Events conducted by the department (2022-24)

1. “World Breastfeeding Week” was celebrated by having a CME by the Department of Pediatrics in collaboration with the Department of Community and Family Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on 5^th August 2022

2. “World Breastfeeding Week” was celebrated by the Department of Pediatrics by organizing an Undergraduate Student quiz on 6^th August 2022
3. The “Basic Pediatric Epilepsy” workshop was organized by Department of Pediatrics on 15^th October 2022 and was attended by delegates from all over North East

4. The Advance NRP Provider course” was organized by the Department of Pediatrics on 10^th December 2022for Pediatric Residents and practitioners

5.“Basic NRP Workshop” for Nursing Officers was organized by the Department of Pediatrics on 16^th and 18^th January 2023

6. Two Days of Menstrual Health Awareness program conducted by the Department of Pediatrics in collaboration with the Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS Guwahati on 25^th and 26^th May 2023  in two different schools on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day. Theme “Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030”.

7. Manuscript writing workshop was conducted by the Department of Pediatrics on the 1^st and 2^nd of April 2023

8. Resident oriented Teaching in Pediatric Neurology was conducted by the Department of Pediatrics AIIMS Guwahati in Collaboration with IAP Assam on 4^th June 2023

9. An awareness program on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week 2023 was organized by the Department of Pediatrics in collaboration with the Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS Guwahati, and UNICEF on 4^th August 2023 at Changsari State Dispensary.
10. Basic Pediatric Intensive Care Course (BPICC) was organized by the Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Guwahati in collaboration with IAP Guwahati city branch on 12^th and 13^th August 2023.
11. An Awareness talk on child Nutrition on the occasion of National Nutrition Week was delivered in All India Radio on 7^th September 2023
12. Two Pre Conference workshops of the 20^th National Conference of IAP Chapter of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics 2023 on “Behaviour in Children: Basic and Beyond” and “Developmental Assessment – Screening and Surveillance” was organized by Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Guwahati in Collaboration with IAP Assam State Branch  and UNICEF, Assam on 6^th  October 2023
13. 36^th IAP Undergraduate Quiz 2023 was organised in AIIMS Guwahati by the Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Guwahati in collaboration with IAP Guwahati City Branch and IAP Assam State Branch on 26^th October 2023
14. Basic SPSS Workshop was organized by Research cell in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics AIIMS Guwahati Supported by the IAP Assam State chapter on 28^th October 2023
15. Training Program on Fostering Nurturing Care Early Childhood Development was conducted by the Department of Pediatrics in Collaboration with the Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIM Guwahati on 11^th March 2024
16. The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati, in collaboration with NHM Assam, UNICEF, and the IAP Assam State Branch, conducted a training program on Raising Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on April 23, 2024. This initiative was designed to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of ASD. The event was attended by various delegates from different parts of Assam. Esteemed faculty included Dr. Monika Juneja, Director Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics and In-Charge of the Child Development Centre at Maulana Azad Medical College, and Dr. Sharmila Banerjee Mukherjee, Director Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Lady Hardinge Medical College. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests including the Honorable Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, Prof. Ashok Puranik Sir along with Dr. M S Lakshmi Priya, IAS, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, and Dr. Annapurna Kaul, State Health Specialist at UNICEF.
17.  The Young India (YI) Guwahati chapter, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati, organized a workshop focused on the Early Detection of Autism, specifically designed for school teachers on 27^th April 2024. The workshop aimed to educate teachers about the early signs and symptoms of autism in young children, including appropriate times and ways for counseling parents about their children's special needs, and strategies for managing such children in the classroom setting. The event was attended by more than 90 school teachers, special educators, and school psychologists from across Guwahati. The inauguration ceremony was honored by the presence of the esteemed Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, Prof. Ashok Puranik Sir, who shared his insights, encouraged the participants and discussed future perspectives on managing such children at AIIMS Guwahati in front of the media. 
18. The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati, in collaboration with the IAP ALS BLS Group of Assam, successfully conducted a community outreach program titled “Empowering the Future: Promoting Basic Life Support Awareness in School Children” on 8th May 2024. The objective of the program was to enhance the emergency response capabilities of school children, potentially saving lives, and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness that benefits their families and communities. Approximately 120 students from grades 6 to 10 were given hands-on training on BLS. We express our profound gratitude to all who have taken out time of their busy schedule and contributed to the successful execution of this event.
19. The Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Guwahati, in collaboration with the IAP Assam State Branch, organized a Basic Life Support (BLS) awareness program for nursing officers on July 25, 2024. 
20. The Department of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Departments of Community and Family Medicine (CFM) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG), organized a program to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7, 2024). The event aimed to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits. This year's theme, "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All," highlighted the importance of inclusive support for breastfeeding.
21. The new Pediatric Ward at AIIMS Guwahati was inaugurated on August 14, 2024, by the esteemed Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati.
22. The Department of Pediatrics in collaboration with The Department of Anaesthesiology at AIIMS Guwahati successfully conducted a community outreach program titled “Empowering the Future: Promoting Basic Life Support Awareness in School Children” on 23rd August 2024. The objective of the program was to enhance the emergency response capabilities of school children, potentially saving lives, and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness that benefits their families and communities. Approximately 120 students from grades 6 to 10 were given hands-on training on BLS.
23. The Department of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Department of Community and Family Medicine at AIIMS Guwahati, has been actively organizing training programs to promote the effective use of the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card for nurturing care in early childhood development. On March 11, 2024, a training session was conducted at Bezera CHC, targeting antenatal mothers and caregivers. The session emphasized the importance of the MCP card in delivering nurturing care services to support optimal early childhood development. Following this, two additional sessions were organized at Amingaon on November 12 and 16, 2024, involving Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and healthcare workers. These sessions aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in utilizing the MCP card to improve maternal and childcare services. Through these initiatives, AIIMS Guwahati reaffirms its dedication to advancing maternal and child health services, fostering holistic development within the community.
24. The Department of Pediatrics and the Child Development and Early Intervention Centre at AIIMS Guwahati celebrated Children’s Day on November 14, 2024, at the Pediatric OPD. The event featured an art competition, fun games like musical chairs, and a play therapy showcase, fostering creativity, joy, and social skills. Children received gift bags, and competition winners were honored by the esteemed Executive Director. The celebration also marked the inauguration of the Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) machine by the Executive Director, enhancing the department's diagnostic capabilities.

Upcoming Services

1.      Child Development and Early Intervention Centre

2.      High-dependency Unit (HDU): For managing sick children requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.

3.      Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): For managing sick children requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.

4.      Special Clinics: Autism and neurodevelopmental clinic, Pediatric Pulmonology Clinic

5.      Simulation lab for enhanced learning objectives for training and faculty development programs

6.      Lactation & Nutritional Counselling Corner- to address the problem of malnutrition in under 5 children and to improve breastfeeding and infant & young child feeding (IYCF) practices

Child Development and Early Intervention Centre(CDEIC)

The unique comprehensive “Child Developmental and Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC)” is the first such center in Northeast India to provide comprehensive care for children with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

1. The burden of NDD: According to the First World Report on Disability (WHO and World Bank, 2011), approximately 15% of the population in a country experiences some form of disability. In the case of the Northeastern Region, with an estimated population of 44.31 million, it is projected that around 6.6 million individuals have some form of disability, and approximately 970,000 persons have significant functional limitations requiring rehabilitation services. 
2. Need for CDEC: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders are often shunted from one department to another for a neurological consultation, developmental assessment, psychiatric consultation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education counseling. It becomes practically challenging for parents to carry their children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, there is no coordination between several services, leading to a lack of development of individualized treatment plans. This leads to fatigue and a lack of motivation among parents caring for children with NDD.
3. Services at CDEC: This will be a first-child and parent-friendly center for managing children with NDD. CDEC will provide comprehensive care under one roof. Services that will be offered to children under one roof will include:

1. Pediatric Neurology services
2. Child psychiatry consultation
3. Clinical psychology
4. Sensory integration
5. Occupational therapy
6. Speech and language therapy
7. Physiotherapy
8. Special education guidance
9. Behavioral modification and parental training

4. RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karykram) services: Recently, AIIMS Guwahati has been approved for the implementation of RBSK services vide letter No. NHM-35017/11/2023-RBSK-NHM. Dated 12.01.2024. Several conditions, including neuromotor impairment, motor delay, cognitive delay, language delay, behavior disorder (Autism), learning disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), covered under RBSK, can be provided comprehensive management at this center.
5. Aim of CDEC at AIIMS Guwahati

• To identify and assess children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To provide early intervention services for high-risk newborns.To provide multidisciplinary management for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To train professionals, including undergraduate and postgraduate medical students as well as trainees of psychology, occupational, and speech therapy.
• To conduct special courses for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To develop an advanced research center for neurodevelopmental disorders in Northeast India.
• To coordinate and link the services with RBSK and other government schemes so that the patients can avail of the services at no cost.

Role of CDEIC Members

Role of a Paediatric neurologist

The Paediatric Neurologist at the CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati, provides specialized and comprehensive neurological assessments for children with developmental delays and comorbid neurological conditions, such as epilepsy and motor and sensory disorders. He customizes treatment plans to address both the primary neurodevelopmental condition and the associated neurological comorbidities. His individualized care focuses on children with special needs, such as those with cerebral palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Additionally, he plays a central role in planning an appropriate medical model of care, which aligns with the rehabilitation efforts of the multidisciplinary team, particularly in managing cases with multiple neurological comorbidities, learning disorders, and motor disorders.

Role of Developmental Pediatrician / Pediatrician in CDEIC

The Developmental Pediatrician at CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati, provides specialized, holistic care for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and behavioral challenges, focusing on early identification, diagnosis, and management of developmental and neurological conditions..Diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and special educators) to design tailored intervention plans. Develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and home-based care strategies for optimal developmental outcomes. The Developmental Pediatrician ensures that children at CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati, receive specialized, coordinated, and inclusive care to reach their full potential.

Role of a child Psychiatrist at CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati

Psychiatrists play a pivotal role in assessing early warning signs and managing the behavioral issues associated with a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Assess family functioning, systemic (social and relational) dynamics, physical health, comorbidities, neurobiology, pharmacology, emotional health, interpersonal relationships, and the presence of multiple diagnoses. Apply an integrated biopsychosocial model to understand, diagnose, and manage emotional disturbances and abnormal behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Provide person-centered and family-focused mental health care that is developmentally informed, timely, and appropriate. Gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to inform clinical decisions. Liaise with Pediatricians, who often serve as the primary point of contact for these children. Ensure timely and appropriate referrals for children with suspected medical comorbidities that may exacerbate behavioral issues. At CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati, the child psychiatrist ensures that the mental health of both the child and their family is managed with the utmost care and dignity.

Role of a Psychologist

Psychologist at CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati, plays a pivotal role in providing psychological assessment, intervention, and support for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations using standardized tools to assess cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning.  Identify learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, and conduct disorders.  Assist in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Specific Learning Disabilities.  Design and implement individualized psychological interventions to address emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. Employ evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Behaviour Modification Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and parent-child interaction therapy. The Psychologist at CDEIC, AIIMS Guwahati, ensures a child-centered, empathetic approach to care, addressing the psychological needs of children and empowering families to foster resilience and holistic development.

Role of Occupational Therapist (OT) in CDEIC:

The role of the OT is to develop the functional and developmental skills of children with developmental delays or disability.OTs assist their patients with individual techniques- certain motor, sensory, cognitive, or social skills so that children can actively engage with society, studies, and other relations. When working in children's centers, occupational therapists contribute to a multidisciplinary team in order to deliver comprehensive care. They also promote the use of environmental adjustments, assistive technologies, and ergonomic approaches to enhance inclusive design and accessibility. Overall, the OTs assist in the independent, functional,l and social development of the child.

Role of Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a major role in early intervention with regard to children's development.

They assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders, which include speech disorders, language disorders, and swallowing disorders. By providing early intervention services, SLPs can potentially have an impact in determining the developmental course of the child and outcomes in the future.Speech-language pathologists conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify and diagnose communication impairment, speech sound disorders, language delay in an early childhood population, and feeding and swallowing difficulties.The experts create individualized therapeutic programs for each child, targeting developing skills in speech, language, and communication and other skills such as those of feeding and swallowing. SLPs advocate for the needs of children with communication disorders and their families ensuring appropriate services and support within the early intervention system.Professional speech-language pathologists operate with the latest results of research and best evidence-based practices. They engage in continued professional development that will better their knowledge and skill level.

Role of special Educator:

Special educators play a vital role in child development and early intervention. They identify developmental delays, create personalized plans, and implement strategies for cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth. Collaborating with parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, they monitor progress and adjust interventions. In early intervention, special educators assess developmental delays, develop family service plans, provide parent training, and coordinate community resources, doing counseling regarding the needs and condition of the child. Their expertise, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity ensure inclusive environments and improved outcomes for children with diverse needs.

Role of a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is essential for the management of those children who suffer from chronic diseases of early infancy   Physiotherapy is essential for the management of those children who suffer from chronic diseases of early infancy and childhood (CDEIC). It is concerned with the restoration of functions such as motor skills, muscle strength, joint range, and posture. Movement techniques including Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) promote controlled movement and coordination as well as functional independence. Physiotherapists assist the parents in performing some of the basic home exercises. In the same way, physiotherapy improves the child’s general development, active engagement in his or her daily routines, and even his or her quality of life by avoiding complications like stiffness and weakness.