INTRODUCTION
The Department of Pediatric Neurology came into existence in 01st January 2020 it was Started in 1998 mainly to follow the high-risk babies getting discharged from NICU but later also started catering to babies with developmental issues hence it was named as Child Development Centre. Later on, in 2020.it Was Continued into Department of Pediatric Neurology.
The faculty members include 01 Professor, 01 Associate Professor and 04 Jr. Residents. First course to be offered in 2020 was D.M Pediatric Neurology. DM curriculum of the KAHER University have been formulated in the year 2020 and approved by the Board of Studies. Students from psychiatry, Neurology, Pediatrics and DM Pediatric Neurology attend Clinical Posting and Theory classes regularly.
The department is well equipped with library and internet facilities to view online journals. The department faculties regularly participate and organize CMEs, Conferences and Workshops to keep abreast with the recent advances. The department faculty are regularly involved in attending and being resource person in faculty development programme, Medical Education Technology Workshops, Guest lectures and also participate in conducting University Examination, curriculum preparation and academic counseling.
Department faculty are also involved in conduct of clinical trials. These collaborations provide opportunities to DM students to participate in community research activities. The faculty have published articles in various National and International Journals. The Department of Pediatric Neurology conducted International Epilepsy Day on February 13th 2023 at the Pediatric Neurology OPD of KLES DR. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belgaum.
| HUMAN MILK BANK |
Breastfeeding rates are low in India. Participants for the initiation of breast feedings are only 40% even if the institutional delivery has reached to 78.9%. Paradoxically with improved obstetric care more babies at risk are born especially preterm and low birth babies. Mothers have difficulty in feeding these babies has these babies may not be able to suckle and feed on the breast. Hence many a times these babies receive formula milk which can be major source of infection leading to prolonged neonatal intensive care stay and even deaths sometimes. More than 50% of deaths can be prevented by providing breast milk to these needy babies. Premature, sick and new born babies have a higher chance of recovery if they get breast milk. If the mother is unable to feed, the next option is the human milk from a donor. Human milk helps in raising the survival rates for those newborns whose mothers cannot produce enough milk. The Human milk bank will collect, pasteurize, test and store milk donated by lactating mothers and make it available for the infants in need. It will not only collect but will also test and will safely store the milk donated by lactating mothers for the infants who are in need. With the help of dedicated lactated counsellors, the center will promote, support and protect the breastfeeding by providing lactation support to mothers. Giving a child breast milk from another woman is not a new concept, wet nursing was a fairly common practice a few decades ago. The risk of infections and diseases such as HIV are reasons why wet nursing is not encouraged today. Breast milk that has been expressed, pasteurized and stored in sterilized conditions is safe and healthy for babies. Breast milk is liquid gold and is the best gift that all moms can give. There are about 50 human milk banks in India with Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu being the leading players. Our center would be the first of its kind in Karnataka which will help in improving the survival of thousands of tiny newborns.