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Paediatrics

Overview Infrastructure Facilities Faculty Profiles Research Publications Services Key Focus Areas

Department Overview

Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology is situated on the first floor of Symbiosis Medical College for Women and Hospital, in the picturesque Lavale hill base campus, Pune. The department provides comprehensive health care and protocol-based treatment and cure to every child attending the OPD, Emergency room or admitted in paediatric wards, NICU or PICU. It nurtures and supports every child to live a healthy life and develop to fullest potential.

Vision Icon

Vision

To provide comprehensive health care to children and neonates and to impart quality paediatrics education to medical graduates with thrust on empathy and compassion.

Mission Icon

Mission

  • Imparting competency based dynamic education to medical graduates for essential new-born, child and adolescent health care that puts the needs of learners first.
  • Improving child health care through clinical research and innovative technologies
  • Providing community-based adolescent and child health care by effective extension services and counselling.
  • Promoting quality and patient safety.
  • Developing leaders and professionals in child health and research.

HOD Profile

Dr Anjali Milind Kher

Dr Anjali Milind Kher

MBBS; MD(Paediatrics); MPhil (HPE)

Experience

Dr Anjali Kher has been working as a paediatrician and neonatologist for 33 years, has a teaching experience of 19 years for medical undergraduates and 6 years of experience as postgraduate teacher and guide in Paediatrics. She has worked for neonatal and child health right from grass root level to tertiary care. She has a passion for teaching and is interested in research. She is a strong believer in lifelong learning and tries to inculcate the same attitude in her students.

Dr Anjali Kher has given many radio talks, phone in programs on AIR and worked a lot in HIV awareness, malnutrition and breastfeeding promotion and support. She has worked in various government civil hospitals, government medical college Nagpur, many non-governmental organizations and private medical colleges before joining SMCW, Pune.

Achievements

  • Dr Anjali Kher has conducted undergraduate and postgraduate practical examinations in Paediatrics in government and private medical college as an external examiner, internal examiner and convener. She has chaired sessions in state and national conferences. She has presented poster and paper in conferences.

Paper Publications

Dr Anjali Kher has 23 paper publications in many international and national journals and many of them as first or corresponding author.

Outreach activities

Dr Anjali Kher has delivered many interactive lectures as guest speaker for Anganwadi workers, Supervisors, ANM sisters and MO during their training programs. She has conducted many healthy baby competitions and attended many health camps as paediatrician in peripheral PHC, CHC and Anganwadi.

Paediatric Department

Paediatric Department
Paediatric Department

The Department of Paediatrics includes a Department Office, Paediatric OPD, Paediatric Ward, NICU, PICU. It was established in August 2019 with a team of Doctor Counsellor and support staff.

The Out Patient Department (OPD)

OPD Waiting Area
OPD Waiting Area
OPD Playing Area
OPD Playing Area
OPD Consultant Room
OPD Consultant Room
OPD Consultant Room
OPD Consultant Room

(OPD) is child friendly and well equipped with examination rooms, immunization room, well baby clinic, child guidance room, treatment room, waiting area and play station for patients, demonstration room and feeding room.

In Patient Department (Paediatric Ward)

Paediatric Department
Paediatric Department
Paediatric Department
Paediatric Department

IPD comprises of three wards with 25 beds in each ward and nursing station overviewing the beds and 9 beds are available with facilities of central oxygen and suction. It consists Isolation unit, teaching area demonstration room, Treatment room, Duty doctor room, Side laboratory, Dirty utility room.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Two NICU level-III consisting of 5 beds in each tertiary (Level III) NICU

Two separate cabins- high dependency and low dependency area, Isolation area for septic babies, feeding room with KMC, Central nursing station, duty Doctors room.

One Step Down NICU (Level II) consisting of 5 beds with warmers, incubator central oxygen, phototherapy units, feeding room with KMC, Central nursing station, duty Doctors room.

Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

PICU - Critical Care Unit
PICU - Critical Care Unit

PICU consist of 5 beds with critical care facilities inclusive of Ventilators and caters to all critically ill paediatric patients and consists, Central nursing station, duty Doctors room.

Meet Our Faculty

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Anjali Kher

MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), MPhil (HPE)

Professor & HOD

anjali.kher@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No MMC-59106

Date of Joining 2021-07-29

View Faculty Profile
Col (Dr) A.R. Rajan (Retd)

MBBS, MD (Paediatrics)

Professor

allampalam.rajan@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No MCI-8266

Date of Joining 2023-07-10

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Nitin Lingayat

MBBS,DCH,DNB,FIAP Neonatalogy (Paediatrics)

Associate Professor

shridhar.jadhav@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No MMC-2008040861

Date of Joining 2019-09-16

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Amit Rathod

MBBS, MD (Paediatrics)

Associate Professor

amit.rathod@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No MMC-2020/11/6373

Date of Joining 2023-07-14

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Shridhar Jadhav

MBBS, MD, DFPCCN (Paediatrics)

Associate Professor

shridhar.jadhav@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No MMC-2017/09/4311

Date of Joining 2023-08-14

View Faculty Profile
Maj. (Dr.) Ved Pratap Tiwari, Retd

MD (Paediatrics), MBBS

Associate Professor

ved.tiwari@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No 2019/02/0471

Date of Joining 2026-03-16

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Shriya Dnyaneshwar Parlawar

MBBS,MD

Assistant Professor

shriya.paralwar@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No 2019/07/5588

Date of Joining 2025-04-07

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Shweta Dhasal

MD (Paediatrics), DCH, MBBS

Assistant Professor

shweta.dhasal@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No 2014/07/3332

Date of Joining 2026-01-01

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Abha Mehta

MBBS,MD

Senior Resident

abha.mehta@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No RMC-26801

Date of Joining 2025-10-24

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Chaitan kumar Pandya

MBBS, DCH, DNB

Senior Resident

chaintankumar.pandya@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No 2020/12/6980

Date of Joining 2026-04-15

View Faculty Profile
Dr. Maroti Kishanrao Yalamgonde

MBBS, DCH, DNB

Senior Resident

maroti.yalamgonde@smcw.siu.edu.in

Registration No 2019/04/3021

Date of Joining 2026-07-07

Research Publications

    Services

    The department along with PSM department has regular outreach health facility at Rural and Urban health centres at Male and Pashan respectively

    Department carries out regular immunization program and pulse polio immunisation as well.

    Department provides various developmental screening tests, intelligence tests, autism screening test, psychological and family counselling.

    Regular breastfeeding promotion and nutrition counselling services.

    Services provided in OPD

    Diagnostic and therapeutic services for out-patients (new-born to adolescent)

    Name of the Clinic Weekday/s Timings Number of cases (average) Name of Clinic In-charge
    Paediatric Cardiology Wednesday 9am To 1pm. 04
    Dr. A.R. Rajan
    Dr Abhishek Saklecha
    Paediatric Nephrology Thursday 9am To 1pm. 03
    Dr Anjali Kher
    Dr Girish Kumthekar
    Paediatric Endocrine Monday 9am To 1pm. 03
    Dr. Amit Rathod
    Dr. Sarang Barbind
    Paediatric Neurology Friday 9am To 1pm. 05
    Dr Deepak Joshi
    Dr. Savali Sutane
    High risk Follow up clinic Friday 9am To 1pm. 05
    Dr. Shridhar Jadhav
    Immunization Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am To 1pm. 29
    Dr. Anjali Kher
    Dr. A.R. Rajan
    Dr. Deepak Joshi
    Paediatric Asthma Tuesday 9am To 1pm. 08
    Dr. Deepak Joshi
    Dr. Minakshi. B
    Child Rehabilitation Tuesday, Thursday 9am To 1pm. 15
    Dr. Pooja Agrawal
    Nutritional Rehabilitation Clinic (NRC) Tuesday 9am to 1pm 10
    Dr. Amit Rathod
    Dr. Priscilla Marian
    Child guidance clinic Daily 9am to 1pm 04
    Dr. Anjali Kher
    Miss. Geeta Nikam
    Counselling services Daily 9am to 1pm 10
    Miss. Priya Pathak
    Well baby Monday & Wednesday 9am To 1pm. 12
    Dr. Nitin Lingayat
    1. Treatment room for handling any emergency, Nebulization facility.
    2. Speciality Clinics available in OPD - Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Cardiology, Paediatric Nephrology, Paediatric Endocrinology, Paediatric Asthma clinics.  

    Services provided in Paediatric wards:

    1. Diagnosing and treating children with common childhood illnesses- Diarrhoea, respiratory infections, nutritional disorders and malnutrition.
    2. Assessing and providing intervention for abnormalities in growth and development
    3. Diagnosing and treating renal, endocrine disorders, cardiac illnesses, neurological diseases, childhood asthma, adolescent health issues
    4. Transfusion of Blood and Blood products.
    5. Spirometry (With Department of Respiratory Medicine) and PEFR for asthma

    Services in the NICU :

    1. Care of all critical patients admitted in NICU including very low weight and extremely low birth weight babies.
    2. Treatment of common neonatal diseases like Sepsis, Asphyxia, Convulsions, Hypoglycaemia etc.
    3. Fluid and electrolyte management and other neonatal care.
    4. Advanced neonatal resuscitation.
    5. Advanced mechanical ventilation.
    6. Surfactant administration.
    7. Phototherapy and Exchange Transfusion for neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
    8. Family centred New-born care for Preterm and High Risk New-borns
    9. Developmentally Supportive care 
    10. KMC practice
    11. Supporting and promoting Exclusive Breast Feeding Practices
    12. Bedside functional Echocardiography.
    13. Bedside Neurosonography
    14. Transfusion of Blood and Blood products

    Services in PICU :

    1. Paediatric critical patients are admitted in PICU.
    2. Mechanical Ventilation.
    3. HFNC oxygen therapy.
    4. Bedside functional Echocardiography.
    5. Bedside Neurosonography, Sonography and X rays.
    6. Transfusion of Blood and Blood products.
    7. Treatment of critical paediatric patients with Meningitis, Encephalitis, Status epilepticus, Status Asthmaticus, Acute Renal Failure, Shock, Severe Pneumonia, etc.

    Key Focus Areas

    The identified Thrust areas for research focus

    1. Neonatology-

    ENAP- Every Newborn Action Plan - by UNICEF & WHO- to to end preventable newborn

    Deaths and stillbirths by 2030- Focus Areas:

    1. Neonatology-

    ENAP- Every Newborn Action Plan - by UNICEF & WHO- to to end preventable newborn

    • Data & Measurement: Improving the quality and availability of data on newborn care, including equity and quality gap assessments.
    • Quality Care: Promoting quality improvement initiatives for maternal and newborn health (MNH) to ensure proper care at and around birth, reduce prematurity & infection
    • Essential Commodities: Ensuring the availability of necessary medical supplies for newborn care. 
    • Equity: Working to reduce disparities in care and close health equity gaps.

    2. Nutrition-

    • Neonatal feeding & Breast Feeding
    • Preschool, school & Adolescent Nutrition- Stunting & wasting
    • Child Obesity
    • Community nutrition education and awareness- Anganwadi/school/hospital

    3. Acute Respiratory Infection-

    • LRTI, Bronchiolitis

    4. Vaccination-

    • Vaccine coverage and reminder apps (E platform)
    • PICU admissions and vaccination received by these children (HIB/Pneumococcal/ Rota viral)

    The department's three key focus areas are clinical care, education and research.

    • Comprehensive lactation Management
    • Child and adolescent nutrition
    • Preventive health care in paediatrics focused on the concept of developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) and thousand days
    • To impart competency based medical education to medical students and allied health sciences students
    • Clinical research and innovations in child health care

    Upcoming Departmental FDP, Conference

    Faculty Development Programme (FDP) Proposal:

    • Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
    • Concept Note
    • Title of the FDP Paediatric Advanced Life
    • Support- SMCW-SUHRC -Proposed by Department of Paediatrics,
    • Target Audience Faculty (Assistant Professor and above) and Senior Residents from Paediatrics, Phase 111 Part 11 MBBS students
    • Proposed Duration July 2026; 1 Day - Total 8 hours of Instruction
    • Mode Lectures; Manikin
    • Expected Batch Size 30
    • Venue Dept. of Paediatrics and Moringa Auditorium

    Expected Learning Outcome:

    Participants are expected to be able to:

    • Master PALS Content: Deepen knowledge of the systematic approach to paediatric assessment, respiratory emergencies, shock management, and cardiac arrest algorithms.
    • Demonstrate Instructional Proficiency: Effectively deliver PALS core concepts, conduct engaging lectures, facilitate skills practice sessions, and manage simulation scenarios
    • Evaluate Learner Performance: Apply standardized evaluation methods to assess student competency in BLS, PALS skills, and scenario management.
    • Promote Effective Team Dynamics: Teach and model high performance team behaviours’, clear communication, and leadership roles during resuscitation.
    • Adhere to Program Standards: Understand and comply with the administrative and quality control requirements for running official PALS courses (e.g., American Heart Association or equivalent organization guidelines).

    Programs

    Elective 1 & 2

    Name of the block Block 2
    Name of the elective "Prematurity in Neonates"
    Name of the hospital Symbiosis Medical College for Women
    Name of the internal preceptor Dr Amit Rathod
    Dr Nitin Lingayat
    Dr Anjali Kher
    Name of the external preceptor if applicable NA
    Specific learning objective At the end of this Module student should be able to:
    1. To understand causes, complications, and management of prematurity.
    2. To gain clinical skills in neonatal examination and monitoring.
    3. To learn principles of neonatal intensive care and family-centered care.
    4. To develop awareness of preventive strategies and long-term follow-up.
    Number of students that can be accommodated in this elective 5
    Pre-requisites for this elective
    1. Phase III Students
    Module Structure

    Week 1: Introduction & Basics
    Theme: Orientation, physiology, and immediate care

    DAYS TOPIC
    Day 1 Orientation to NICU, posting objectives, safety protocols, infection control.
    Day 2 Fetal & neonatal physiology in preterm infants (thermoregulation, lung development).
    Day 3 Causes and risk factors of prematurity (maternal, fetal, socioeconomic).
    Day 4 Initial stabilization of preterm neonates (resuscitation basics, NRP demonstration).
    Day 5 Bedside clinical posting – observation of premature neonates, documentation of vitals, growth charts.
    Day 6 Self-study + seminar preparation on “Epidemiology of Prematurity in India”.

    Week 2: Systems & Complications
    Theme: Clinical problems in preterm neonates

    DAYS TOPIC
    Day 1 Respiratory distress syndrome & ventilation strategies.
    Day 2 Apnea of prematurity and oxygen therapy.
    Day 3 Feeding difficulties, parenteral nutrition, breastfeeding support.
    Day 4 Necrotizing enterocolitis & sepsis in preterm infants.
    Day 5 Bedside clinical posting – examination of respiratory system, NG tube feeding demonstration.
    Day 6 Journal club discussion on recent advances in preterm care.

    Week 3: Long-Term Issues & Multidisciplinary Care
    Theme: Growth, development, and family aspects

    DAYS TOPIC
    Day 1 Retinopathy of prematurity (screening & prevention).
    Day 2 Intraventricular hemorrhage & neurodevelopmental outcomes.
    Day 3 Growth monitoring & nutrition in preterms.
    Day 4 Psychosocial aspects – parental counselling, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) demonstration.
    Day 5 Bedside posting – supervised growth chart plotting, KMC ward visit.
    Day 6 Case presentation by students (premature infant case summary).

    Week 4: Integration & Assessment
    Theme: Preventive strategies & holistic management

    DAYS TOPIC
    Day 1 Antenatal & perinatal strategies to reduce prematurity.
    Day 2 Follow-up care of premature infants (immunization, developmental screening).
    Day 3 Ethics and challenges in neonatal intensive care.
    Day 4 Student group activity – prepare posters/awareness material on prematurity for parents.
    Day 5 Final assessment – case presentation + MCQ quiz + feedback session.
    Teaching Methods
    1. Small group discussions, interactive lectures
    2. Case-based learning
    3. Simulated Skills Lab sessions: Resuscitation, NG tube feeding, KMC
    4. Observation and reflective learning
    5. SDL seminar and journal presentation
    6. Role-play / simulated patients
    Assessment Methods (Formative & Summative) Formative (throughout):
    1. Reflective logbooks
    2. Case presentation
    3. Direct observation
    4. Feedback: Peer & Faculty
    Summative (end of module):
    1. Objective Structured Viva (based on clinical scenarios)
    2. MCQ test / short answer questions (if required)
    3. OSCE
    Log book entry required Satisfactory completion of elective by a preceptor with a satisfactory grade
    Resources Needed
    1. Faculty from Neonatology
    2. Neonatal Mannikin & equipment
    3. Case vignettes
    4. Charts: Modified Ballard score, Fenton Growth Chart, NRP flow chart
    Other Comments
    Name of the block Block 2
    Name of the elective “Development in Children”
    Name of the hospital Symbiosis Medical College for women
    Name of the internal preceptor Dr A R Rajan
    Dr Anjali Kher
    Dr Deepak Joshi
    Mrs Geeta Nikam
    Name of the external preceptor if applicable NA
    Specific learning objective At the end of this Module student should be able to:
    1. Describe the principles and domains of child development across 0–18 years.
    2. Perform systematic developmental assessment at different ages.
    3. Use standardized developmental screening tools confidently.
    4. Recognize red flags and common developmental disorders.
    5. Counsel parents about stimulation, nutrition, and parenting practices.
    6. Understand multidisciplinary and community-based management.
    7. Appreciate policies/programs (RBSK, ICDS, ECD initiatives) supporting development in India.
    8. Develop communication, empathy, and advocacy skills for child health.
    Number of students that can be accommodated in this elective 5
    Pre-requisites for this elective 1. Phase III Students
    Module Structure Week 1: Fundamentals of Growth & Development
    • Principles of growth and development
    • Domains of development: gross motor, fine motor, language, social
    • Growth monitoring and plotting WHO charts
    • Normal milestones and red flag signs
    • Observational sessions in well-baby clinic
    Hands-on:
    • Milestone assessment in healthy children
    • Growth chart plotting
    Week 2: Developmental Screening & Early Detection
    • Importance of screening and early identification
    • Screening tools: TDSC, Denver II, ASQ, INCLEN tools
    • Practice sessions in OPD/Anganwadi
    • Recording developmental history
    • Early warning signs for autism, speech delay, cerebral palsy
    Hands-on:
    • Students use TDSC/Denver II on multiple children
    • Case-based discussions
    Week 3: Developmental Disorders & Interventions
    • Autism spectrum disorder
    • Cerebral palsy & motor disorders
    • Intellectual disability
    • ADHD and behavioral issues
    • Speech & language delay
    • Multidisciplinary approach (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
    • Exposure to special schools/rehab centers
    Hands-on:
    • Observe rehab therapy sessions
    Week 4: Early Stimulation, Parent Counseling & Community Perspective
    • Early stimulation & parenting (talk, read, play)
    • Influence of nutrition, environment, and screen time
    • Government programs: RBSK, ICDS, POSHAN, ECD
    • Role of community health workers (ASHA, Anganwadi)
    • Advocacy for children with special needs
    • Preparation of parent information leaflet / awareness campaign
    Hands-on:
    • Parent counseling role plays
    • Student-led project (awareness poster, leaflet, or video)
    • Presentation of group project on last day
    Teaching Methods
    1. Small group discussions, interactive lectures
    2. Case-based learning
    3. Bed side clinics/teaching
    4. Observation and reflective learning
    5. SDL seminar, Panel Discussion, Debate
    6. Role-play / simulated patients
    7. Video Demo & cases (CAL)
    Assessment Methods Formative:
    1. Reflective logbooks
    2. Case presentation
    3. Direct observation
    4. Feedback: Peer & Faculty
    Summative:
    1. Objective Structured Viva (based on clinical scenarios)
    2. MCQ test / short answer questions (if required)
    3. OSCE
    4. Group Project Presentation
    Log book entry required Satisfactory completion of elective by a preceptor with a satisfactory grade
    Resources Needed
    1. Faculty from Paediatrics
    2. Case vignettes & Videos
    3. Charts: Development Milestones, DST
    Other Comments

    Value Added Course

    1.Soft Skills in Paediatrics

    Ideal Audience:
    MBBS 5th–9th semester (before or during Paediatric postings)

    Total Duration: 36 Hours

    Module-Wise Breakdown
    • Module 1: Foundations of Paediatric Communication – 3 hours
    • Module 2: Paediatric History Taking as a Conversation – 4 hours
    • Module 3: Talking to Parents – The Toughest Part – 4 hours
    • Module 4: Counselling for Common Paediatric Conditions – 4 hours
    • Module 5: Breaking Bad News in Paediatrics – 4 hours
    • Module 6: Soft Skills in Procedures & Emergencies – 3 hours
    • Module 7: Working in Teams, Handover & Professionalism – 3 hours
    • Module 8: Ethics, Child Rights, Confidentiality & Digital Conduct – 3 hours
    Skills Labs – 6 hours
    Lab Duration Focus
    Skills Lab 1 (2 hours) Role-plays with constructive peer + faculty feedback
    Skills Lab 2 (2 hours) Simulated parent–doctor–child interactions (record + review)

    Clinical Shadowing & Reflective Learning: 4 hours

    Assessment – 2 hours

    OSCE (5 stations):

    • Breaking bad news
    • Immunisation counselling
    • Procedure communication
    • Angry parents scenario
    • Handover using SBAR
    • Mini Viva
    • Portfolio Submission (reflection + micro-counselling script)

    Certificate: Awarded only after passing OSCE + completing portfolio.

    2.Lactation Counselling & Breastfeeding Support

    Total Duration: 36 hours (Blended: Theory + Skills + Clinical + Assessments)

    Course Purpose

    Equip MBBS students with practical, hands-on skills in breastfeeding support so they can assess feeding issues, guide mothers, and provide first-line counselling during postings or internships.

    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of 36 hours, students will be able to:

    • Explain breastfeeding physiology and benefits
    • Demonstrate proper latch, positioning and attachment techniques
    • Assess a breastfeeding session using structured tools
    • Manage common breastfeeding challenges and myths
    • Support lactating mothers in hospitals, NICU, community, and via tele-counselling
    • Communicate sensitively and effectively with parents
    Module Topic Hours Method
    1 Why Breastfeeding Matters 2 Interactive lecture + videos
    2 Anatomy & Physiology of Lactation 3 Lecture + short quiz
    3 Early Initiation (ENBC) & First 48 Hours 3 Demo + role play
    4 Effective Breastfeeding Techniques 5 Hands-on with models + peer practice
    5 Breastfeeding Assessment Skills 3 OSCE style skill station
    6 Common Problems & Solutions 5 Case-based learning + skill practice
    7 Preterm, Sick & NICU Babies 3 Neonatology session + videos
    8 Communication & Counselling Skills 4 Role play + feedback
    9 Medications, Working Mothers, Milk Expression, Storage 3 Practical demo + infographics
    10 Breastfeeding in Public Health Programs 2 RBSK, IYCF, BFHI, MAA
    11 Evaluation & Certification 3 OSCE + viva + reflective assignment
    Teaching & Learning Methods
    • Mini-lectures (max 20–30 min each)
    • Demonstrations with breastfeeding manikins
    • Supervised practice with mothers (wards/NICU)
    • Case-based discussions
    • Role play of counselling scenarios
    • Audiovisual training clips
    • OSCE skill stations
    Assessment
    • Formative (10 marks): Participation + worksheets
    • Skill OSCE (40 marks): Latch, positioning, counselling
    • Theory MCQ/short answer (40 marks)
    • Reflective journal (10 marks): 3 real counselling encounters
    Certification Criteria
    • Minimum 80% attendance
    • Pass in theory + OSCE