3 min readNew DelhiJun 22, 2009 11:08 AM IST
First published on: Jun 22, 2009 at 11:08 AM IST
Prolonged stays at a hospital is not an attractive option for adults,let alone kids.
Now,a new concept explores whether children being treated for serious ailments can have something to look forward to in their otherwise drab routine of medicines and check ups.
A pharmaceutical company in partnership with a leading hospital has set up a ‘fun centre’ for patients admitted to the paediatrics ward,so that recuperating kids do not miss out on fun.
Billed as the first in India,the ‘fun centre’ set up at Apollo Hospital here is equipped with games,toys and a host of other recreational activities and aims at providing children a refreshing break from their treatment regimen.
In a child-friendly playroom,a decorated area integrated with the paediatrics unit,children – some of them suffering from serious ailments – can take their minds off their dull routine to enjoy playing with toys,board games,reading comic books,quizzes and make friends with other kids.
“Most of the kids admitted to the paediatrics unit are in for a long duration sometimes stretching to months. We can imagine they are suffering from serious problems. A recreation facility at the hospital thus helps them have fun and recover faster,” said Aparna Thomas of Sanofi Aventis,which has partnered Apollo in the venture.
The concept was initially introduced by Aventis 10 years ago in Brazil and till date,11 such facilities exist in three countries.
“India is the fourth country after Brazil,Russia and Thailand where a hospital has adopted this concept,” Thomas said.
The playroom is also equipped with a play station where two children can play against each other,a music system and a DVD player where they can watch cartoons and kids movies.
“In specially customised services for children who cannot leave their beds,the facility includes a bureau-on-wheels so that toys and games can be taken to their wards,” she said.
The centre that was launched last month has been received well by the patients,including those from foreign countries,an Apollo spokesperson said.
“It has been a refreshing change for the child patients who are admitted at the paediatrics ward here,and for many of them coming from far-off places like African countries,it has served as a way to beat homesickness,” the spokesperson said.
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