“CHILDREN” the future of our world…

“CHILDREN” the future of our world…

In the third week of our appointment we were supposed to visit the child welfare clinic at Karagampitiya. Though I visited most of the places with empty mind, this time had some idea about the things what I would see. Once we went to the karagampitiya area we had to wander for few minutes to find the exact place. By the way it was almost 8.20 am when we entered the clinic place where one or two mothers waited carrying their babies until the clinic process starts.

After having a brief introduction about the work done in the place, we were allowed to take histories from the mothers (as a combination of pediatrics and gyn & obs details). As the time passed the number of young mothers carrying babies increased, but I was bit worried that there were only two fathers (Which I saw) who came in with their wives. Maybe the limited space of the place has restricted their will to help wife in this condition.. :)

The Medical officer of the clinic explained the duties of herself and the PHM at the clinic as,

• ·         Providing health care facilities from birth up to 5 years of age. (From neonate to up to 2 years once a month, then up to 5 years once in 3 months.)

• ·         Medical examination of the child (check whether they are fit enough to receive the vaccine)

• ·         In case of any growth falter in the CHDR exclude errors in breast feeding (especially if the child is less than 6 months) exclude errors in dietary pattern, investigate/ inquire for other illness, refer the child to a pediatrician as necessary, provide relevant advices on nutrition of the child and educating the mother about the importance of vaccination as well about the adverse effects following immunization (AEFI).

• ·          In the clinic no medication are given except vitamin A and it is given for children above 6 months for once in every 6 months in dose of 100 000 IU.

• ·         Give thriposha for children with growth falter.

• ·         Immunization. Vaccines are brought from MOH office and its efficacy is ensured.

•       Main List of vaccines

                (List starts with Pentavelant as the BCG vaccine is usually given within 24 hours after birth)

                                 Pentavelant vaccine (At 2^nd, 4^th,6^th ,18^th  month of age with OPV, DPT with  OPV at 5^th year

 JE (at 9^th month)

  MMR ( at age of yr 1 and 3)

 Adult tetanus and diphtheria at age of 12

• ·         Growth assessment by weighing and measuring the height of the child.

             Beam scale

                                                                       

                                                              Spring scale      

 

  Infantometer

(Weighing is done at CWC only up to 6 months, after that it’s done at the weighing center of PHM of that area. Height is measured at 4,9,18 months; >2yrs once in 6 months)

We also had the opportunity to watch the immunization of babies as well as assessment of growth by the PHM. 

After all at the end of this visit I realized the extent which our parents and the health sector, care about the welfare of the children and also the responsibility which are there for us to fulfill in future as health workers.

Prathibha Arsakularatna

31/08/2012

Post no. 03