GUWAHATI, Aug 25 - Shishu Sarothi got into partnership with the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for persons with disabilities, Guwahati under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and launched a programme on early intervention of children within the age of zero to six years.
A small inaugural function was organised on the premises of the CRC by Shishu Sarothi to formally launch the programme on Tuesday. The introductory speech was delivered by Arman Ali, executive director of Shishu Sarothi who highlighted the necessities of early intervention programme in the State in all district-level hospitals when it comes to dealing with high risk babies.
The guest of honour for the programme was Dr Gayatri Bezbaruah, head of department, Paediatrics, Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. Dr Bezbaruah stressed the need of awareness about early intervention when dealing with children with developmental disabilities.
While congratulating the team of Shishu Sarothi for setting up an early intervention unit at the CRC, Guwahati, she said in developed countries, the need for every child to go through a high risk clinic is mandatory. However, in India, that phase is still to be achieved completely, she added. Dr Bezbaruah also announced that she will be closely associated with the programme and that it is a huge step forward towards reaching the goal.
The programme was also attended by Aimol Lanu, officer-in-charge of CRC, who expressed his happiness in being a part of the entire programme. Lanu focused on the need for parents and guardians of children with disabilities to come out and seek help and the services available as early as possible. He extended all help on behalf of his team for the programme and talked about making it a model in the country.
Shishu Sarothi will work with the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital and other hospitals so that children at risk and delayed development will be referred to the programme from the hospitals. Shishu Sarothi will run this programme initially on Mondays and Wednesdays and then extend the days according to the need.
Workshops are also going to be held for doctors and parents to ensure awareness in the medical community about the approaches used in the training and management of children with delayed development. This will also include holistic assessments and planning.
The programme was attended by students, parents and officials of Shishu Sarothi and CRC, Guwahati.
