The Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Alappuzha, has launched a new initiative, ‘Half-Birthday,’ to ensure the healthy development of infants. The programme aims to assess the growth, development and nutritional needs of babies beyond breastfeeding, focussing on those who have completed six months of age. It was inaugurated recently by H. Salam, MLA.
Officials said that such a project was being implemented for the first time in the State at the Alappuzha MCH. “The project is aimed at raising awareness about complementary feeding required for growth after the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding,” said an official
The Paediatrics department at the MCH, in association with the National Neonatology Forum and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, will organise a ‘Half-Birthday’ every month. As part of the project, all babies born at the MCH will be invited back to the hospital when they are six months old for an examination by paediatricians. Doctors will ensure that the child’s growth is on track and that all immunisations have been administered.
Parents will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance from doctors about their babies’ growth.
Indian Academy of Paediatrics State president I. Riyas presided. Alappuzha Medical College Principal B. Padmakumar, Alappuzha MCH superintendent A. Harikumar, National Neonatology Forum State president O. Jose and others attended the function.
