INSPIRE 2026: IAP’s New Roadmap to Revolutionize Pediatric Nursing and Infant Feeding in India

16 January 2026: We all know that exclusive breast feeding up to six months  must be required for infant for his growth and immunity. Complimentary feeding should be started after six month and breast feeding may be continued up to two years with adiquet, diverse and age appropriate diet. But the reality in hospitals and homes are very different. In our India from a recent data of National Family Health Survey, it is indicated that around 63.7% of infants under six months are exclusively breast feeded. Though the number increases,  still many infants receive water and other feeds for optimum nutrition. 

     It kindly may be noted that 63^rd PEDICON, the national conference of Indian Academy of Pediatraics (IAP) has been held in Kolkata now. One of the main theme of this program is mass awareness and training of nurses on breast feeding. In this respect IAP officially unveiled its Action Plan 2026 with the launch of a flagship Presidential Initiative – TOT of INSPIRE (Innovetion in Science Pursuit for inspired research)  Workshop, under the leadership of IAP President Dr Neelam Mohan.

     IAP ACTION PLAN– INSPIRE MODULE, a national initiative aims to standardise paediatric nursing responses across India, ensuring timely recognition and life-saving interventions for sick children.

     As a part of the program, Each IAP State and City Branch will be encouraged to conduct 3–6 INSPIRE workshops per year providing trainning to around 5000 pediatric nurses per year for  equal safer  paediatric care nationwide.

 The workshops will be focused on providing traninng to pediatric nurses for Early recognition of the sick child, Prompt resuscitation; Appropriate escalation of care.

The INSPIRE program is led nationally by National Convenor Dr Jesal Sheth (Mumbai), with Local Coordinator Dr Agnimita Giri (Kolkata),  Dr Muthiah Perikrupan, Dr Poonam Joshi, Dr. Manju Kedarnath and  Senior nursing officers.Trainers from across the country have come together in Kolkata, united by a shared mission to elevate paediatric nursing standards and improve child safety nationwide.

  According to this plan this Workshop on Infant and Young child Feeding (IYCF) has been held ai ESI MB Scheme Salt Lake. Dr. Neelam Mohan President IAP, Dr. Swapan Roy, Organizing Chair Person PEDIACON 26, Dr. Atanu Bhadro Organizing Secretary PEDIACON, Shri Tanmay Chakraborty, Director (ESI MB scheme), Dr. Amit Bhattacharya Deputy Director, (Medical), along with the other renowned pediatricians o the country will grace the Inaugural ceremoney and address the Press.