The Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, in collaboration with the IAPEN Raipur Chapter and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Chhattisgarh, successfully organized the "3rd Annual Pediatric Nutrition Core Meet 2026." Themed "Enhancing Excellence in Clinical Nutrition Practice," the conference aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and bedside clinical application to improve healthcare outcomes for children.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Raipur, who commenced the proceedings with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Also in attendance was Dr. Eli Mohapatra, Dean of AIIMS Raipur, alongside notable figures such as Dr. Vishal Kumar, President of IAPEN Raipur Chapter, and Secretary Ms. Julie Pandey. The dignitaries collectively emphasized that multidisciplinary cooperation and continuous research are vital for addressing complex nutritional challenges in pediatric care.

In his keynote address, Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd) underscored that proper nutrition for children serves as the cornerstone of a healthy and empowered nation. He highlighted that scientific and multi-dimensional approaches are essential to combat issues like malnutrition, metabolic disorders, and specialized nutritional management in critically ill children. He commended the organizing committee, led by Chairperson Ms. Nupur Jain and Dr. Anil Goyal, as well as Organizing Secretaries Ms. Shalini Soren and Dr. Atul Jindal, for fostering a platform that strengthens clinical expertise.

The technical sessions featured distinguished experts from across the country. Dr. Priya Chitale provided in-depth insights into pediatric nutritional assessment, while Dr. Lekha Sridharan discussed the critical role of nutrition support in managing severe clinical cases. Notably, in observance of World Hypertension Day 2026 which will be celebrated on 17 May 2026 , Dr. Nimesh Sahu delivered a lecture on the rising prevalence of hypertension, advocating for preventive measures through balanced diets and regular screenings. The meet also included practical segments, such as a "Nutri-Quiz" conducted by Mr. Jekka Pradeep Kumar and a live demonstration on advanced feeding techniques by Ms. Sapna B. Nair.

The conference concluded with a commitment from the organizers to continue such academic endeavors. Participants, including doctors, nursing officers, and healthcare professionals, lauded the initiative for providing actionable knowledge on congenital metabolic disorders and modern pediatric nutrition therapies. The event serves as a significant step toward elevating the standards of pediatric healthcare in the region through specialized nutritional intervention.

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RDJ/KV/PJ

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