Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 12: The department of paediatric surgery at K S Hegde Medical Academy and Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, celebrated Paediatric Surgery Week 2026 from June 4 to 10 with a series of awareness programmes, academic activities and patient-engagement initiatives under the theme 'Safe Surgery for Every Child'.
The week-long celebration aimed to create awareness about paediatric surgical conditions, promote early diagnosis and treatment, and reaffirm the institution's commitment to providing safe, accessible and child-friendly surgical care.
As part of the observance, faculty members conducted an awareness talk on a popular local television channel, educating the public about common surgical conditions affecting newborns and children. The program emphasized the importance of timely intervention and highlighted the availability of affordable, specialized paediatric surgical services.
Academic activities were also organized to encourage learning and participation among healthcare professionals and students. Quiz competitions for undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with a poster competition for staff and students, generated enthusiastic participation and fostered greater awareness about paediatric surgical care.
To mark the occasion and extend support to families in need, the department offered a 50% concession on surgeries performed between June 4 and 10 for children attending the Outpatient Department during the week. The initiative benefited several families and reflected the hospital's ongoing efforts to make quality healthcare more accessible.
The celebrations culminated on 10 June with a heartwarming patient engagement program that brought together former paediatric surgical patients and their families. Around 50 children and 80 family members participated in the event, which featured face painting, tattoo art, balloon modelling and interactive activities designed to create a joyful and welcoming environment.
Cultural performances by the children added colour and energy to the program, showcasing their confidence and spirit.
The event also included addresses by dignitaries, experience-sharing sessions by parents whose children had undergone successful surgeries, prize distribution and a cake-cutting ceremony. The program received an overwhelming response from patients, families and hospital staff, serving as a celebration of resilience, recovery and compassionate care.
Through Paediatric Surgery Week 2026, KSHEMA and Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every child receives safe, timely and high-quality surgical care, helping young patients lead healthier and brighter lives.