Health Minister Veena George said here on Monday that the Child Development Center (CDC) in Thiruvananthapuram will be upgraded to a Center of Excellence for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
CDC is entering a crucial phase and UNICEF will collaborate as a knowledge partner to support research and development, she said as she opened a two-day national conference on early detection and early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders at CDC.
Kerala has taken several exemplary initiatives in the field of child care. He has made great strides in neonatal and child care, care of children with rare diseases and initiatives like Shalabham, Hridyam, Shrutitharangam and universal immunization. A department of genetics and fetal medicine was also established.
The state is now considering a pediatric palliative care scheme to look after children with special needs, Ms George said.
The Ministry of Health is carrying out several interventions for early identification of children with neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems with the help of ASHAs and school teachers.
The government is committed to developing a comprehensive platform that will include screening for neurodevelopmental disorders, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation as well as creating equal opportunities for children with neurodevelopmental problems, Ms George said.
UNICEF Chief of Health, Vivek Virendra Singh delivered the keynote address.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Rajan Khobragade, Director of Medical Education, Thomas Mathew, senior health officials and UNICEF representatives were present.
Published – October 21, 2024, 11:17 PM IST
