Jamshedpur, July 20 — Over 200 leading pediatricians from across India have appealed to the central government to provide epilepsy medication for children free of cost, similar to tuberculosis (TB) drugs. The demand was raised during a two-day conference organized by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) at a hotel in Sakchi, Jamshedpur.
Dr. Vasant Khalatkar, National President of IAP, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that children from poor and middle-income families receive timely and effective treatment for epilepsy. He also proposed the creation of a dedicated Ministry for Children to prioritize child health, nutrition, and mental well-being.
Epilepsy Still Stigmatized
Dr. Khalatkar expressed concern over the prevalent stigma and superstition surrounding epilepsy in India. “In many regions, epilepsy in children is still treated with rituals and exorcisms, worsening their condition,” he said. He stressed the importance of EEG tests for early diagnosis, noting that if medication is started on time, children can recover fully within three years and live normal lives.
Rising Mental Health Issues and Screen Time
Dr. Rajiv Mishra, a pediatrician from RIMS, Ranchi, highlighted a troubling rise in epilepsy and neurological disorders among children, attributing a significant part of the problem to excessive screen time and mobile phone usage. “Children are now turning to phones for every solution, which is contributing to a surge in neurodevelopmental issues,” he explained.
Autism Emerges as a National Concern
Dr. Mintu Akhauri Sinha, IAP Jamshedpur President, and Dr. Neelam Srivastava from Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, warned that autism has become a growing national challenge, with a sharp rise in cases post-COVID. While previously 1 in 100 children were affected, the numbers have risen rapidly. Symptoms such as delayed speech, lack of social interaction, and slow learning often go unnoticed or misunderstood by parents, delaying treatment.
Nationwide Discussion on Neurological Health
The conference brought together experts from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. They discussed in detail the growing prevalence of neurological conditions in children, their symptoms, diagnosis, and the latest treatments. On the final day (Sunday), the focus will shift to innovations in child healthcare, new vaccination models, nutrition programs, and government collaboration.
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