Mumbai Hospital Pioneers Free Care for Special Needs Children

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INDIA: Nair Dental Hospital in Mumbai has established itself as India’s first institution offering free dental treatment under general anesthesia for children with special needs. The BMC-run facility has developed comprehensive services to address the unique challenges faced by children with conditions such as down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism.

Meeting Critical Healthcare Needs

The hospital provides care to approximately 200 children each year, addressing a critical gap in healthcare services. Dr. Neelam Andrade, the hospital’s dean, explains the particular challenges these patients face: “They are also more prone to cavities due to diet variations, medications, improper brushing etc. A paediatric dentist is well trained and qualified to treat children with special health care needs.”

The hospital maintains sophisticated infrastructure including three operation theaters, a 26-bed ward, and six private rooms. Dr. Andrade details the thorough treatment process: “Before administering general anesthesia, all necessary fitness tests are conducted. Only after clearance are the children taken to the operation theater for dental treatment. Posttreatment, the patients are kept in the ward for two days. Such facilities are not available in any other dental hospital.”

Specialized Anesthesia Services

The facility has integrated expertise from multiple departments to ensure comprehensive care. “For the treatment of special children, we have doctors from the anaesthesia department of Nair Medical College,” notes Dr. Andrade. This collaboration enables safe treatment for patients who might otherwise struggle with conventional dental procedures under local anesthesia.

The service addresses a significant challenge faced by families of children with special needs, who often struggle with maintaining their children’s oral hygiene. The hospital’s approach ensures these children receive necessary dental care in a controlled and safe environment, reducing distress for both patients and their families.

The initiative represents a significant step forward in making essential healthcare services accessible to all segments of society, particularly those with special needs who might otherwise face barriers to receiving proper dental care.