Experts Emphasize Strengthening Pediatric Kidney Emergency Care Services
Dehradun: The Department of Pediatrics at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (SGRRIM&HS), Dehradun, successfully organized the two-day national-level 6th Pediatric Dialysis and Therapeutic Apheresis Module for Emergencies (PD-TEM) Workshop on June 20 and 21. Pediatricians, nephrologists, and medical educators from across the country participated in the program and received training on the latest knowledge and techniques related to the management of severe and emergency kidney disorders in children.
The workshop commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Principal Dr. Utkarsh Sharma, Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Anil Malik, Medical Superintendent Dr. Virendra Verma, Head of the Department of Pediatrics Dr. Vishal Kaushik, senior pediatrician Dr. Ragini Singh from Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, former Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Dr. O. P. Mishra, and Director of Lady Hardinge Medical College, Dr. Abhijit Sinha.
The objective of the workshop was to enhance physicians’ expertise in life-saving procedures such as the management of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), dialysis, and therapeutic apheresis in children. Through hands-on simulations, standardized protocols, and practical training sessions, experts familiarized participants with modern treatment methodologies.
Course Director and pediatric nephrology specialist Dr. Abhijit Saha stated that this was the first comprehensive training program on pediatric dialysis in Uttarakhand. He noted that training more pediatricians in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis would facilitate timely treatment for children and reduce the need for referrals to metropolitan hospitals.
Senior pediatrician Prof. (Dr.) O. P. Mishra delivered an expert lecture on hemodialysis and therapeutic apheresis, emphasizing that every postgraduate pediatric physician should possess fundamental knowledge of these life-saving procedures. He highlighted their critical role in the treatment of seriously ill children.
Dr. Prerna Batra from Delhi conducted training sessions on Point-of-Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) and mechanical ventilation for children suffering from severe kidney diseases. Meanwhile, Nina Jolly, Trustee of Aadharshila Trust, pointed out that the lack of timely diagnosis and treatment facilities for Acute Kidney Injury in children remains a significant challenge in many districts across the country. She stressed that a child's survival should not depend on the availability of a specialist but on the training of the first healthcare worker who attends to the patient.
According to the organizers, more than 300 physicians have been trained nationwide under the PD-TEM initiative so far. The program is expected to further strengthen the treatment of pediatric kidney diseases, enhance hospitals’ emergency preparedness, and improve the capacity for timely medical intervention.
On this occasion, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Utkarsh Sharma shared valuable insights with faculty members and participants regarding kidney-related diseases, their prevention, and successful treatment strategies.
For the successful conduct of the workshop, Dr. Vishal Kaushik, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, supervised all necessary arrangements and ensured effective coordination throughout the event.