Well Baby Event Celebrates Healthy Children

While many of PRASAD Chikitsa’s health care programs meet the immediate needs of the people of Tansa Valley, there also is a need for preventative health initiatives that will help improve the health of communities and families over time. One such initiative is the PRASAD Chikitsa “Well Baby Competition.” This initiative was started in 2005 to help motivate parents to be more aware of the many factors essential to raising healthy children.

The latest Well Baby Competition was held in November 2007, with many parents from the local community participating. Parents could enroll their children from ages one to three years in the event. There were two judges: PRASAD Chikitsa ophthalmologist Dr. Veena Kabade for the physical health assessment and a teacher from Kanya-Vidyalaya School for the social development aspect. Factors evaluated included general health, nutrition, hygiene, personal growth and social development.

While the children were being examined on the judge’s table, the parents were shown appreciation for their sense of responsibility in the well being of their children as well as their enthusiastic participation in this community event. Age-appropriate toys were given as prizes to the top three scoring children, with consolation prizes given to the rest of the children. Also, Dr. Radheshyam S. Pandey, PRASAD Chikitsa medical project manager, gave an educational talk covering health issues and problems faced by parents in bringing up their children.

PRASAD Chikitsa staff said the event was a great success, and that they were pleased at the number of fathers who participated.

“The atmosphere at the medical center comes alive when we get to see so many happy, healthy, smiling children along with their proud parents,” said Col. Rohit Tewari, PRASAD Chikitsa general manager. “The uninhibited laughter, joy and cute responses of these children on this special festive day are a treat to behold.”

To learn more about PRASAD’s community healthcare programs in India, click here.