Department of Paediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics organized a prestigious guest lecture featuring visiting international faculty to discuss clinical approaches to pediatric cardiac health. The session was designed for the professional development of faculty members and residents within the department.

Event Details

• Topic: Approach to Heart Murmurs in Children.
• Speaker: Dr. Huma Kazmie.
• Background: An alumna of AMU, Aligarh.
• Current Role: Canadian Liaison of the Aligarh Medical Alumni Association of North America (AMAANA).
• Date: 20th December, 2025.
• Time: 8:00 am to 9:00 am.
• Venue: Committee Room, Dean’s Office.

Key Highlights

• International Expertise: The lecture provided attendees with global perspectives on diagnosing and managing heart murmurs in pediatric patients, led by a specialist with international clinical ties.
• Academic Engagement: All department faculty and residents were invited to participate in this specialized training session.
• Institutional Leadership: The event was organized under the notice of Prof. Uzma Firdaus, Chairperson of the Department of Pediatrics.

CME rare disease

The awareness campaign and Continuing Medical Education (CME) event titled "Rare Diseases: More Common Than You Think" was held on November 16, 2025, at the Auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), AMU, Aligarh. Organized by the Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at AMU, the event served as a significant platform for launching the DBT NIDAN Kendra. The program was supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Biotechnology, aiming to bridge the gap in genetic healthcare and awareness.

The scientific program featured a comprehensive series of lectures and discussions led by distinguished experts in the field of medical genetics. Key topics included an overview of the National Rare Disease Policy, frameworks for suspecting genetic disorders, and clinical approaches to visible birth defects and malformations. Specialized sessions also covered Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM), newborn screening basics, and the evolving role of transplantation in treating rare genetic disorders. The faculty included prominent figures such as Dr. Madhulika Kabra, Dr. Seema Kapoor, and Dr. Kausik Mandal, who provided deep insights into both the clinical and policy-driven aspects of rare disease management.

In addition to technical medical sessions, the event emphasized the human element of genetic diseases through a dedicated segment called "Voices of Courage," which shared perspectives from patient support groups. A major highlight was the panel discussion regarding the opportunities and sustainability of NIDAN Kendras (Genetic Screening and Testing Centers). The day concluded with the formal inauguration of the DBT-NIDAN Kendra at JNMC, marking a milestone in local diagnostic capabilities. The successful conclusion of the CME was marked by a note of hope for future advancements in the care and treatment of rare diseases in India.

In alignment with the global observance of World Breast feeding Week, the Department of Pediatrics at JNMC organized a series of educational and clinical activities during the first week of August 2025. The initiative aimed to promote the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, educate healthcare providers on proper techniques, and engage medical students in public health advocacy.

Key Activities & Highlights

1. Awareness Lectures

A series of lectures were conducted for nursing staff, expectant mothers, and resident doctors. Key topics included:

• The "Golden Hour": The critical importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
• Nutritional Superiority: The role of colostrum and breast milk in building neonatal immunity.
• Overcoming Barriers: Addressing common myths and medical challenges faced by new mothers.

2. Practical Demonstrations

To bridge the gap between theory and practice, hands-on demonstration sessions were held in the postnatal wards and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

• Positioning and Latch: Faculty and senior residents demonstrated various breastfeeding positions (e.g., cradle hold, football hold) to ensure a painless and effective latch.
• Expression of Milk: Guidance was provided on the manual expression and safe storage of breast milk for working mothers or those with hospitalized infants.

3. Undergraduate (UG) Participation

A significant focus of the week was the active involvement of MBBS students (Undergraduates), who participated through:

• Role Play & Counseling: Students organized small-group counseling sessions for mothers, explaining the benefits of breastfeeding in vernacular language to ensure effective communication.
• Slogan & Chart Presentations: UG students created informative charts and banners that were displayed in the Pediatric OPD to educate visiting families.

Poshan Pakhwada

Poshan Pakhwada was observed at JNMCH from 8th to to 23rd April 2025 with the theme of focus on nutrition in the first 1000 days of child’s life.

Multiple events were organised with active involvement of patients, nursing staff, postgraduate and undergraduate MBBS students alike. To commence the fortnight, dietary counselling session were held for nursing staff at Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre. This was followed by patient awareness camps regarding complimentary feeding and caloric needs in children organised at OPD. Different foods ideal for children and timely complimentary feeding advice was given to patients. Mothers of preterm and low birth weight newborns admitted in NICU were counselled regarding importance of colostrum and breast milk, correct latchment techniques and on importance of nutritious and well balanced meals for themselves. We organised a poster making event for post graduate students with the theme of good health and nutrition.This was followed up by teaching and discussion with Paediatric MD students where importance of first 1000 days nutrition and its effect on later years was deliberated. A practical demonstration and counselling regarding breast feeding holds and importance was also done. A separate day was dedicated to undergraduate teaching and poster making to raise awareness about optimum nutrition via diet and good health. We held a patient meet where they were explained in depth regarding food groups and importance of good nutrition to fight against diseases. Through extensive outreach and involvement of all classes of hospital works we raised awareness about the pivotal role nutrition plays in the first 1000 days of life and ways to optimise it.

NRP October 2024

One day training on 'Advanced NRP Provider Course' was organised by the Department of Pediatrics on 6th October, 2024. A team of 6 expert instructors included Prof. Lallan Bharti (lead instructor)head of department , Pediatrics, JPC hospital,Delhi

Prof.S Manazir Ali from AMU Aligarh,

Dr Ruchira Maheshwari Senior pediatrician and neonatologist, Kailash Hospital,Noida

Dr Madhu Nayak, Associate Professor, S.N.medical College Agra,

Dr Sachin Verma,Head of Department , Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, lucknow

Dr Brajendra Singh, Assistant Professor, Kalyan Singh Government Medical College, Bulandshahr.

The training was organised with the aim to provide the residents and faculty with the practical skills essential for new born resuscitation with emphasis on the first golden minute of life. 

Prof S.H.Raza, Dean and Principal ,JNMCH, AMU Aligarh very graciously consented to be the chief guest for the event and Dr Vikas Mehrotra, President IAP, Aligarh Branch and Prof. Lallan Bharti were the guest of Honour. The welcome address was given by the Chairperson, Department of Pediatrics, Prof.Zeeba Zaka Ur Rab.The training was very meticulously executed under the able guidance of Organizing Chairperson, Prof. Zeeba Zaka Ur Rab and dedicated hardwork of organizing secretary Dr Fazil Mohd Izhar.

The participants were divided into 6 groups and rotated through various life saving scenarios. Hands on training were provided by the instructors on manikins.

The training was a huge success and met its aim in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real life application.

Dr Fazil Mohd Izhar extended a vote of thanks.

Such trainings are integral for Pediatricians and the Department of Pediatrics aims to hold such trainings on a regular basis for its residents annually.

The 37th IAP Pediatric Quiz for Undergraduates was organized by the Department of Pediatrics under the aegis of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) in 2024. This prestigious annual event is designed to foster interest in pediatrics among medical students and to identify top talent for zonal and national competitions.

Event Structure & Participation

• Target Audience: The competition was open to MBBS Undergraduate students, specifically targeting those in their 8th and 9th semesters.
• Preliminary Round: The selection process typically began with a written screening test to shortlist teams for the final departmental round.
• Format: The main quiz featured multiple rounds covering various pediatric domains, including:
• Neonatology: Questions on neonatal resuscitation ratios and surfactant secretion.
• Clinical Pediatrics: Identification of conditions like Rheumatic fever, Down syndrome, and ADHD.
• Infectious Diseases: Topics such as Measles complications and the Varicella Zoster virus.
• Radiology & Diagnostics: Interpretation of classic signs like the "sunburst" appearance on chest X-rays or the "thumb sign" in epiglottitis.

Key Highlights

• Academic Excellence: The quiz served as a high-level academic exercise, testing knowledge on complex topics like the inheritance patterns of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the management of status epilepticus.
• Departmental Engagement: The event was attended by faculty members and resident doctors, with a formal prize distribution ceremony held to felicitate the winners.
• Path to Zonal Rounds: The winning team from the departmental round earned the opportunity to represent JN Medical College at the IAP Zonal level competition.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK OBSERVED BY DEPARTEMENT OF PEDIATRICS

A week long events were organized by the Department of Pediatrics, JNMCH,AMU Aligarh from 1-7 August, 2024to mark the World Breast Feeding Week. This week is observed annually to promote breast feedingpractices and creating awareness among people. This year theme was- Closing the Gap-Breast Feeding support for All.This year also,the Department of Pediatrics was able to make this event a success under the able guidance of Prof. ZeebaZaka-ur-Rab and Prof.S.Manazir Ali. The week was marked by various events and activities which aimed at promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

On day 1, an academic activity forthe sensitization of paramedical staff regarding the healthy breastfeeding practices was organized and the senior NICU staff also helped in this endeavor.

Day 2 was marked by educating the nursing staff of Pediatric wards and NRC, which was done by Dr.Ayesha Ahmad.

On Day 3Dr.Iraj Alam Khan took a counselling session on management of breast feeding in working mothers which is indeed a need of thehour.

In these academic activities,Nursing staff and other para medical staff were apprised of the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring in the life of babies, mothers and also the community as a whole

Teaching sessions for residents of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecologyweretaken by Prof. S.Manazir Ali and Dr.Uzma Firdaus on the subsequent days.

PG Pediatrics Quiz (Final College Round)

• Event: The final college round of the Pediatrics Quiz for Postgraduate (PG) residents.
• Date & Time: July 31, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
• Venue: Lecture Theatre – 1.

The Hands-on ECHO Workshop was successfully conducted on December 21st, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, AMU Aligarh. Organized by the Department of Pediatrics and the Interdisciplinary Pediatric Cardiac Centre (IPCC) in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Aligarh, the event was held under the aegis of UP AOP. The day began with a registration and welcome session for all faculty and delegates, followed by a formal introduction to the program by Dr. Vikas Mehrotra.

The scientific program featured a series of specialized technical sessions led by expert faculty. Dr. Abhinav Agarwal conducted a session on knobology and machine operation, while Dr. Shaad Abqari presented on the basics of echocardiography and segmental analysis. Clinical topics were further explored with Dr. Roli Shrivastava discussing common congenital heart defects, Dr. Munesh Tomar covering the assessment of PAH and echocardiography in neonates, and Dr. Moaaz Kidwai speaking on functional echo and ventricular function assessment. The morning session concluded with Dr. Varun Kumar Tiwari presenting interesting case scenarios.

Following an inaugural program and lunch, the afternoon was dedicated to intensive hands-on training for the participants. This practical session allowed delegates to apply the theoretical knowledge gained earlier in the day under professional supervision. The workshop concluded successfully with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rohit Varshney.

The awareness campaign and Continuing Medical Education (CME) event titled "Rare Diseases: More Common Than You Think" was held on November 16, 2025, at the Auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), AMU, Aligarh. Organized by the Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at AMU, the event served as a significant platform for launching the DBT NIDAN Kendra. The program was supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Biotechnology, aiming to bridge the gap in genetic healthcare and awareness.

The scientific program featured a comprehensive series of lectures and discussions led by distinguished experts in the field of medical genetics. Key topics included an overview of the National Rare Disease Policy, frameworks for suspecting genetic disorders, and clinical approaches to visible birth defects and malformations. Specialized sessions also covered Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM), newborn screening basics, and the evolving role of transplantation in treating rare genetic disorders. The faculty included prominent figures such as Dr. Madhulika Kabra, Dr. Seema Kapoor, and Dr. Kausik Mandal, who provided deep insights into both the clinical and policy-driven aspects of rare disease management.

In addition to technical medical sessions, the event emphasized the human element of genetic diseases through a dedicated segment called "Voices of Courage," which shared perspectives from patient support groups. A major highlight was the panel discussion regarding the opportunities and sustainability of NIDAN Kendras (Genetic Screening and Testing Centers). The day concluded with the formal inauguration of the DBT-NIDAN Kendra at JNMC, marking a milestone in local diagnostic capabilities. The successful conclusion of the CME was marked by a note of hope for future advancements in the care and treatment of rare diseases in India.

Dr. Ayesha Ahmad Organized one day National CME on 

“Pediatric  Endocrine disorder & a workshop on Insulin pump therapy"