Chandigarh: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChildren are not just patients\u2014they are our ambassadors of hope. Their recovery and well-being define the success of our efforts.\u201d<\/strong>\u2014 Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean (Academics) & Chief Guest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChildren with Chronic Illness Deserve Dignity and Inclusion; The Responsibility of Paediatricians Is Immense\u201d: Prof. Sadhna Lal\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith over 15,000 OPD patients annually, 3,000 endoscopic procedures, and more than 1,000 admissions, paediatric gastroenterology reflects both growing need and responsibility,\u201d said Prof. Sadhna Lal<\/strong>, Head, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PGIMER<\/strong>, setting a compelling context for the scale, urgency, and impact of the specialty at the institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was against this backdrop of expanding clinical demand and growing academic responsibility that Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PGIMER <\/strong>inaugurated the \u201cMonothematic Conference on Paediatric Cholestasis & 4th Prof. Saroj Mehta Memorial Oration (22nd\u201323rd March 2026)\u201d<\/strong> at Lecture Theatre-1, PGIMER, bringing together leading experts from across India and abroad to deliberate on critical challenges in paediatric cholestatic <\/strong>liver diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inaugural session was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof. R.K. Ratho<\/strong>, Dean (Academics), Prof. Nirmala D<\/strong>, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Child Health & Hospital for Children, Chennai, Prof. Sadhna Lal<\/strong>, Head, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PGIMER and Prof. Surinder Rana<\/strong>, Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sadhna Lal underscored the department\u2019s guiding philosophy, stating, \u201cPatient First remains our core principle\u2014every clinical and academic effort revolves around the child.\u201d Paying a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Saroj Mehta<\/strong>, she said, \u201cHer legacy continues to inspire generations with values of compassion, clinical excellence, and integrity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlighting the academic vision of the programme, Prof. Lal noted that the conference has been thoughtfully structured to address biliary atresia<\/strong>, a significant unresolved challenge in India, followed by comprehensive deliberations on other types of paediatric cholestasis<\/strong>, with the aim of strengthening expertise and expanding access to specialised care across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acknowledging the team behind the service, Prof. Sadhna Lal described PGIMER Junior & Senior residents as \u201cthe backbone of the department,\u201d<\/strong> recognising their relentless contribution in sustaining high-quality patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emphasising capacity building, Prof. Lal added, \u201cIt is our mandate to train and disseminate knowledge so that every corner of the country has access to skilled paediatric gastroenterologists & hepatologists,\u201d while expressing pride in alumni who are now leading services nationwide. Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. R.K. Ratho<\/strong> lauded the dedication and passion driving the specialty forward. \u201cDedication transforms work into passion. When clinicians go beyond routine hours for patient care, it reflects true commitment,\u201d he remarked, appreciating the sustained efforts of the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prof. Ratho emphasised the critical importance of early diagnosis and collaboration. \u201cTimely recognition of conditions like biliary atresia and cholestasis is crucial. Delays in referral and diagnosis remain challenges\u2014platforms like this enable shared learning and improved outcomes.\u201d Reflecting on the human dimension of care, Prof. Ratho added, \u201cChildren are not just patients\u2014they are our ambassadors of hope. Their recovery and well-being define the success of our efforts.\u201d<\/strong> He also commended the department for its patient-centric approach and for consistently organising focused academic forums that encourage meaningful dialogue and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A deeply moving highlight of the event was the felicitation of young patients representing successful clinical journeys<\/strong>, reflecting resilience, courage, and the impact of advanced medical care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These children were honoured as symbols of hope and successful outcomes, bringing a powerful human dimension to the scientific deliberations and underscoring the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and sustained follow-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Surinder Rana<\/strong>, acknowledging the contributions of faculty, delegates, and organisers in making the event possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two-day scientific programme focuses on \u201cImproving Outcomes of Biliary Atresia\u201d<\/strong> on Day 1, covering etiopathogenesis, early diagnosis, surgical techniques such as Kasai porto-enterostomy, and long-term outcomes. Day 2 expands into non-biliary atresia paediatric cholestasis<\/strong>, including genetic and metabolic liver disorders, PFIC, mitochondrial hepatopathies, and emerging therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Featuring state-of-the-art lectures, panel discussions, and case-based learning, the conference aims to foster collaboration, enhance clinical understanding, and strengthen national capacity in managing paediatric liver diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event stands as a strong reflection of PGIMER\u2019s commitment to clinical excellence, academic leadership, and compassionate care\u2014where every child\u2019s journey inspires progress and purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Chandigarh: \u201cChildren are not just patients\u2014they are our ambassadors of hope. Their recovery and well-being define the success of our efforts.\u201d\u2014 Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean (Academics) & Chief Guest \u201cChildren with Chronic Illness Deserve Dignity and Inclusion; The Responsibility of Paediatricians Is Immense\u201d: Prof. Sadhna Lal\u201d \u201cWith over 15,000 OPD patients annually, 3,000 endoscopic procedures, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\u201cIt is our duty as Paediatric hepatologists & gastroenterologists to be mindful that we are dealing with children. We need to not only treat them but ensure these kids with chronic diseases are integrated into society and have a good quality of life. The responsibility of Paediatricians is immense: only they can ensure that the nation is not burdened with an unhealthy adult population!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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