PHOCON-2012 (DAY 2): Anemia widespread public health problem

Ludhiana, November 17, 2012: 16th Annual Pediatric Haematology Oncology Conference, “PHOCON-2012” was fromally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tiwari alongwith President of DMCH Managing Society Sunil Kant Munjal, who was Guest of Honour on the occasion.

The chief guest expressed great appreciation for the role of DMCH and Arpita Cancer Society in treating cancer-affected children.NGOs have a vital role to play in the health care system, particularly with respect to marginalised sections of the society, said Munish Tiwari.

A souvenir was also released at the inaugural function.

Organizing Secretary-Dr Praveen C. Sobti thanked all the dignitaries and participants for their active contributions.     

Second day of “PHOCON-2012” witnessed three symposiums held on “Anemia & Hemophilia”, “Bleeding & Thrombotic disorders” and “Shared Care & Haematology in Special Circumstances”.

Dr Daljit Singh spoke on “Nutritinal Anaemia”. In his lecture, Dr Daljit Singh said that Anemia is a widespread public health problem associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in pregnant women and young children.In India, nutritional problem of anemia affects more than ½ of the total population.

Dr Reena Das, Dr Amita Trehan and Dr Jasmine Ahluwalia from PGIMER, Chandigarh delivered lectures on “Difficult anemias in Pediatric practice”, “Interpretation of the peripheral blood film” and “Role of the laboratory” respectively

Dr Rashmi Dalvi from Mumbai spoke on “Management of ITP-new guideliness”. Dr Aleem Jan from Srinagar spoke on “Coagulation disorders in children”. The diagnosis and management of children with congenital and acquired bleeding disorders requires knowledge of the normal physiology of pediatric hemostasis and the natural history of coagulation disorders in children compared to adults, said Dr Dalvi. 

Dr Gauri Kapoor from New Delhi and  Dr Leni Grace Mathew from CMC, Vellore elaborated on” Early recognition of cancer in children” and “Supportive treatment in childhood cancers & role of the pediatrician” respectively. Other guest speakers include Dr Joseph John from CMC,Ludhiana, Dr Anupam Sachdev & Dr Neelam Kler from New Delhi,Dr Shailesh Kanvinde from Pune and Dr Tahir Shamsi from Karachi,Pakistan who elaborated on “Neonatal Haematology”