Patna: Experts at the 34th annual two-day conference of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) said the role of paediatricians must evolve in response to shifting paediatric realities.Speaking on the opening day of Bihar Pedicon 2026, Dr Neelam Mohan, national president of the IAP, warned that the medical community is failing to adequately recognise the changing landscape of child healthcare.She said over the past two decades, child healthcare has entered a complex transition phase. Paediatricians are now confronted with a dual burden — traditional health challenges such as bacterial infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea and undernutrition on one hand, and a sharp rise in lifestyle diseases like obesity, hypertension and diabetes on the other.The situation is further compounded by increasing environmental allergies and a growing mental health crisis among children. Citing studies, she said one in seven children faces psychological issues, yet only 20% of such cases are recognised by doctors.To address these challenges, Dr Mohan urged paediatricians to use routine vaccination visits as opportunities for wellness, growth and developmental counselling. She stressed the need to guide parents on nutrition, noting that according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 11% of children aged six months to two years receive a minimum acceptable diet.She added that early screening can help prevent conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol and fatty liver disease. Highlighting changing lifestyle patterns, she said children aged 10 to 18 years in India spend an average of three to four hours daily on screens.Echoing these concerns, Dr A K Jaiswal, chairman of the scientific committee, drew attention to “hidden hunger”, or micronutrient deficiencies. Referring to a Lancet study, he said one in every two children aged one to eight years lacks essential vitamins and minerals, increasing the risk of impaired cognitive development, weakened immunity and autism. He recommended including nuts, legumes, fruits, animal-source foods and fortified products in children’s diets.Dr Piyush Gupta of ICMR-Delhi highlighted the link between excessive sodium intake in childhood and hypertension in adulthood. He noted that while adults should consume less than 5 grams of salt a day, children require lower amounts. He advised parents to avoid processed foods and commercial fruit juices and instead promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by fresh home-cooked meals.Dr Lalan Bharti, national president of the National Neonatology Forum, stressed the need for continuity in maternal and neonatal care.Dr Praveen Kumar and Dr Pratap Patra highlighted the importance of early diagnosis of rare diseases and called for its inclusion in national health policy.
