The Mid-Term Continuing Medical Education (CME) 2024 conference of the Indian Association of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists (IAPA) concluded successfully on Sunday evening at Hotel The Plaza in Begumpet. The two-day event, held over the weekend, centered on the theme "The Paediatric Anaesthesia Connect," and brought together professionals from across the nation to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in paediatric anaesthesia.
Organized by the Telangana state branches of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) and IAPA, the event was led by Dr. Raja Narsing Rao as President and Dr. Sailaja as the Organising Secretary. The conference saw the participation of 150 delegates, including anaesthesiologists, paediatric anaesthesiologists, and paediatricians from various parts of India.
The conference featured a series of in-depth discussions on cutting-edge developments in paediatric and neonatal perioperative care. It also served as a platform for emerging anaesthesiologists, with a dedicated session for postgraduate case presentations, aimed at encouraging young professionals to showcase their work and contribute to the field of paediatric anaesthesia.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Raja Narsing Rao, President of IAPA Telangana and Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist at LVPEI and EMRI Green Health, emphasized the critical importance of paediatric anaesthesia in today’s healthcare landscape. He noted that with children comprising 40% of India’s population, there is a growing need for specialized surgical and anaesthetic services tailored to this demographic. Dr. Rao highlighted the infancy of specialized training in paediatric anaesthesia in India, with the majority of children currently receiving anaesthesia from general anaesthesiologists.
Dr. K. Sailaja, Secretary of IAPA Telangana and Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist at Care Hospital, underscored the specialized nature of paediatric anaesthesia. She emphasized that paediatric anaesthesiologists possess the unique skills and qualifications necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of children undergoing surgical procedures.
The event also marked a significant milestone for IAPA, which was established in March 2006 and has since grown to include over 880 life members. The association is committed to improving safety standards, establishing guidelines for paediatric anaesthesia, and enhancing the skills and knowledge of practitioners through regular conferences and CMEs.
This first-of-its-kind meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for anaesthesiologists to connect with experts in the field, expand their skill sets, and stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in paediatric anaesthesia. As the demand for specialized paediatric surgical and anaesthetic services continues to rise, the conference reaffirmed the importance of developing and advancing this critical sub-specialty in India.
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