Pediatric diseases need to be handled with immense care to ensure that children receive timely and accurate medical care; hospitals and clinics need to increase the availability of specialized pediatric diagnostic services while conducting pediatric tests. Establishing peadiatric centres for excellence that focus mainly on children's care is also vital. Creating a team of qualified and experienced professionals can contribute to improving the quality of paediatric blood tests and diagnostic services provided. Having staff that is well trained in the use of cutting-edge technology and equipment can also help provide a more accurate diagnosis. Hear what our expert Dr Nilesh Shah, President and Chief of Science and Innovation at Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. has to say. 

Understanding the need for better pediatric testing

While India's healthcare system has made significant strides in recent years, the pediatric infrastructure has not kept pace with this rapid development. One of the most significant changes required is to provide urgent attention to how pediatric testing and diagnosis are carried out. 

According to a report by ICMR 2022, less than half (48%) of the public tertiary hospitals have a paediatric oncologist. And even fewer had paedriticoncosurgen (14.2%), paediatric intensivist (38.9%), paediatric medical oncologist (46.7%), and palliative care physician (37.6%). These statistics clearly show the lack of proper infrastructure for pediatric care. Here are a few tips that can help enhance India's paediatric infrastructure and create the ideal healthcare system by focusing on better diagnosing pediatric diseases. 

Boost specialised paediatric diagnostic services 

For children to receive proper and timely medical care, hospitals and clinics must increase the availability of specialised diagnostic services for paediatric diseases. This can be done by establishing paediatric centres of excellence that are solely focused on children's care. 

Hiring more qualified professionals specialised in paediatric care who have the experience to back it up can also help improve the quality of paediatric diagnostic services we provide. 

Upgrade existing diagnostic equipment

Most clinics and hospitals are usually out of date and have inadequate diagnostic equipment that does not meet the needs of children. This is why all paediatric care centres need to upgrade their existing equipment. Getting better equipment can also be a low-cost way to improve the quality and efficiency of the healthcare setting. The availability of cutting-edge equipment and technology is vital to diagnose and treat paediatric patients effectively. 

Promote screening and early diagnosis

Critical for the effective treatment of paediatric diseases, the early diagnosis of paediatric diseases can result in prompt treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Educating parents, guardians, primary caregivers, and healthcare professionals about the importance of early diagnosis is another way of strengthening India's paediatric infrastructure. 

Mobile diagnostic units 

Diagnostic services are limited in rural areas, another important factor that negatively impacts children's health. By establishing mobile diagnostic units for paediatric diseases, doctors can travel to remote and underserved regions of India and provide them with medical services they are otherwise not privy to. The units should be equipped to perform on-site testing that allows patients to receive diagnosis and treatment plans faster. This solution also reduced overall healthcare costs as patients no longer need to travel to a medical facility to get the care they deserve. 

Paediatric friendly infrastructure

Children's healthcare needs are unique, requiring specialised facilities and equipment for adequate care. Creating a safe and comfortable paediatric-friendly environment can improve the child's experience in the hospital while alleviating the stress and anxiety of both parents and children. The environment can also play a significant role in improving children's healthcare outcomes. A paediatric-friendly environment helps healthcare professionals efficiently diagnose, treat, and manage a broader range of paediatric conditions. It also aids in preventing the spread of infections and reducing the risk of medical errors, which are particularly important in paediatric diseases. 

Paediatric reports and sample collection

The approach towards paediatric healthcare is very different from that of adult healthcare. Children need to undergo specific tests and procedures that differ from adults. Offering customised paediatric reports and sample collection can ensure that the child gets the appropriate test and procedure for their age and development. In the same way, providing results tailored to the child's developmental stages is easier to understand by parents and caregivers that do not have too much of medical background. This ensures better care and proper treatment for the ailing child. 

Creating a national paediatric diagnostic database

A national paediatric database can play a critical role in bolstering the paediatric infrastructure of India. This database can provide vital information about the prevalence of paediatric diseases, the available diagnostic facilities, and the quality of care offered at these facilities. With the help of this database, healthcare providers can also identify any area that may need a little more investment to better the paediatric infrastructure. 

Conclusion

While there are several hurdles in the way of this development, they can be valuable tools for improving paediatric healthcare and its outcome in India. Suppose the government, healthcare professionals, and private sector work together to address India's paediatric healthcare challenges. It will ensure that every child has access to the quality of healthcare they deserve and significantly impact the overall health outcome of children in India.