Every parent dreams of seeing their child happy and healthy. But today’s children are facing a rising tide of severe health issues, ranging from congenital heart conditions and respiratory illnesses to gastrointestinal disorders and mental health challenges.
As per data shared by Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital Mumbai , a significant number of children in India are affected by serious health conditions across specialities. Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately nine in every 1,000 live births, resulting in over 200,000 new cases annually, with many requiring urgent intervention.
Gastrointestinal issues such as chronic constipation affect around three per cent of children, while liver disorder diagnoses are increasing. Paediatric pulmonology concerns, especially asthma, have shown a sharp rise—urban centers like Bengaluru report a prevalence of nearly 19.4 per cent, driven by pollution and lifestyle changes.
Mental health is a growing concern, with about 10 per cent of children experiencing psychiatric disorders; studies in India have found prevalence rates ranging from 12.5 per cent to as high as 33.7 per cent in some urban school populations. These figures highlight the urgent need for early detection, specialised care, and greater awareness to safeguard children’s health and well-being.
As part of its annual tradition, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai hosted a Free Health Check-Up Camp to commemorate World No Tobacco Day. The initiative was aimed at assessing and promoting the well-being of children of media professionals and was held at the hospital premises in Haji Ali, Mumbai.
This year’s camp underscored the growing concern over the increasing incidence of lifestyle-related health issues in children, including early-onset respiratory conditions, anxiety disorders, and poor nutrition. Through this initiative, the hospital aimed to spread awareness about how environmental and lifestyle factors, including passive smoking, can adversely affect children’s health.
The camp featured comprehensive health screenings for journalists’ children, including assessments of height, weight, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and dental checkups. Each child was also provided a consultation with a general pediatrician. Where required, follow-up consultations with paediatric super-specialists were offered at no cost.
The camp catered to children aged one to 18 years, ensuring early detection of possible health concerns and encouraging preventive care among parents.
Dr. Zubin Pereira, Facility Director of Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai , said, “Every year, we look forward to organising this camp as part of our community outreach. This year, being aligned with No-Tobacco Day, we especially wanted to highlight the unseen impact tobacco and environmental hazards have on children’s development. Our goal is to ensure that every child has access to timely, specialised care and that parents are empowered with the knowledge to safeguard their children’s health.”
The initiative was well received and appreciated by mediapersons, reflecting Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital’s commitment to preventive healthcare and community wellness.