Both government and private hospitals are integral components of the healthcare system and that collaborative efforts between them would help reduce mortality and morbidity, said District Collector P. Akash.Speaking at a two-day national symposium on paediatric emergency care organised by the Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital in association with Christian Medical College, Vellore and The Indian College of Emergency Medicine on June 12 and 13, he said that continuous training and regular updates in evidence-based practices are crucial for improving the quality of patient care and achieving better health outcomes for children.Speaking on the occasion, organising chairman Narendra Nath Jena said the symposium was a unique academic initiative dedicated exclusively to paediatric emergency and trauma care. Through expert lectures, case-based discussions, and hands-on simulation training in areas such as septic shock, respiratory emergencies, paediatric trauma, poisoning, and neurotrauma, it helped strengthen the knowledge, clinical skills, and emergency preparedness of healthcare professionals caring for critically ill and injured children. He further emphasised that continued strengthening of paediatric emergency care services, immunisation programmes, nutritional support, and equitable access to quality healthcare are essential to further reduce preventable childhood deaths. Early recognition of serious illness and timely evidence-based treatment remain critical to improving survival, reducing complications, and preventing long-term disability among children.The scientific programme featured presentations and discussions by eminent paediatricians and emergency medicine experts, including Prof. Debasis Das Adhikari and Murugan T. P. of Christian Medical College, Vellore, Sudip Dutta of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences and A. Kannan, Uma, and S. Senthil Kumar of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, covering a broad spectrum of paediatric emergency care, said a press release. Published - June 14, 2026 07:46 pm IST