Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD, The Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Jammu, in collaboration with the IAP National Respiratory Chapter and IAP Jammu, successfully organized a comprehensive “Asthma Training Module” aimed at enhancing awareness and expertise in pediatric asthma management. The event brought together distinguished pediatric pulmonologists from premier medical institutions across India, who shared their insights on the latest advancements in asthma diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
Asthma continues to be the most common chronic respiratory disease in childhood, with a global prevalence ranging from 3% to 38%. Despite advancements in treatment and adherence to evidence-based guidelines, it remains a significant public health challenge. The training module was designed to equip pediatricians with updated knowledge and practical skills to improve patient outcomes.
Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, served as the patron of the program. In his inaugural address, he emphasized AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to academic excellence and capacity building in pediatric medicine. He highlighted the importance of such training programs in enabling healthcare professionals to stay updated with evolving treatment modalities, ensuring better care for children suffering from asthma.
The event featured insightful sessions by renowned experts in the field, including Dr. Neetu Talwar from Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr. Satnam Kour from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, and Dr. Samriti Gupta from AIIMS Jammu. Their lectures covered key aspects of asthma management, including the latest treatment guidelines, age-specific management strategies, and the role of parental counseling in improving adherence to therapy. Special emphasis was placed on dispelling common myths associated with asthma treatment and ensuring correct inhalation techniques among young patients.
As part of the training, a dedicated hands-on session was conducted, where participants were trained in the correct use of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs), Spacers, Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs), Nebulizers, Peak Flowmetry, and Spirometry—all essential tools for effective asthma management.
The successful execution of the event was made possible under the leadership of Dr. Samriti Gupta, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Medicine, AIIMS Jammu, who spearheaded the organizing committee along with Dr. Sheetal Ganju, Dr. Vivek Pandita, Dr. Radhika Uppal, and Dr. Harkirat Kour, Assistant Professors at AIIMS Jammu. The program was further enriched by the presence of senior pediatricians and representatives from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), including Dr. G. S. Saini, President of the J&K IAP Branch, Dr. S. K. Digra, Secretary of the J&K IAP Branch, and Dr. Ashok K. Gupta, Former Head of the Department of Pediatrics at GMC Jammu.
Faculty members, senior pediatricians, and residents from various medical institutions across the region actively participated in the event, making it a truly collaborative and enriching academic endeavor. This initiative reflects AIIMS Jammu’s dedication to pediatric healthcare advancements, equipping medical professionals with the latest knowledge and skills to improve asthma care in children.DD
