The National Conference of IAP 63rd PEDICON took place in Kolkata

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is a crucial requirement for the growth and immunity of the infant, while complementary feeding should start thereafter, along with breastfeeding up to two years. According to national statistics, around 63.7% of infants below six months in India are exclusively breastfed, but most of them receive water and other feeds as well. The 63rd PEDICON national conference of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics is currently underway in Kolkata to address these issues through mass awareness and nursing training. During the conference, the Academy launched its Action Plan 2026 and a flagship program named INSPIRE Workshop under the leadership of President Dr Neelam Mohan. This national module is designed to provide a standardised response for pediatric nurses across India to ensure early detection and life-saving treatment of ailing children. Each state and city branch will be encouraged to organise multiple workshops to train around five thousand pediatric nurses annually for safe child care across the country. These workshops are designed to provide training on early resuscitation and proper escalation of treatment for better patient outcomes. The national program is organised by Convenor Dr Jesal Sheth with local support from Dr Agnimita Giri and other senior medical officers. A dedicated workshop on infant and young child feeding was organised at the ESI MB Scheme in Salt Lake to address these objectives. Senior paediatricians and health administrators like Dr Swapan Roy and Dr Atanu Bhadra joined the inaugural session to address the media and emphasise this mission.

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