Paediatrics specialises in treating and caring for infants, children and adolescents from birth to 21 years of age. Paediatrics Singapore doctors cover a wide range of health and developmental milestones, which is why they can be considered primary care physicians. Indeed, general paediatrics providers can be the first health specialists your infant or young child will meet.
From preventative vaccinations to general health advice, monitoring and common child illnesses, paediatricians are tasked to check children’s development regularly.`
The overall aim of the paediatrics specialist field is to reduce infant mortality by preventing the spread of infectious diseases, promoting a healthy lifestyle for children and addressing chronic conditions that are diagnosed in these young patients.
Singapore has a total of 465 registered paediatrics clinic medicine specialists, 68% of whom work in the public sector while the remaining 32% work as private practitioners.
These are some conditions paediatricians are concerned about:
Paediatrics in Singapore may have further specialisations in neurology, oncology, intensive care, emergency medicine and palliative care, to name a few.
Paediatricians are not limited to managing diseases in infants and children. They provide a holistic health delivery that covers long-term lifestyle. A specialist considers the long-term nature of health and wellness whenever a child undergoes a check-up.
There is a spectrum – from ensuring the child’s survival to preventing any disability and ultimately detecting and managing specific health problems.
Some parents decide to connect with a paediatrician even before the baby is born. This is a great way to research paediatricians in your area and which one will be the most suitable for your insurance plan, location and personal preference.
Paediatricians need to understand parents’ family medical history as well as the family’s current routine. This information is useful when creating the health plan for caring for the newborn during the first few weeks.
Aside from postnatal care, a paediatrician can educate parents on postnatal experiences, schedule a circumcision if needed and generally clarify any other concern that parents may have.
For one- to three-year-olds, the recommended frequency of visits is every three to six months. At four years old, children would usually need a once-a-year visit to the paediatrician.
The specialist will administer vaccinations as well as track physical growth (e.g., height, weight, head measurements, etc.), emotional and mental milestones (e.g., can the child retell a story, can the child follow simple instructions), eating habits and sleeping habits.
Since paediatricians cover up to age 21, parents can then decide whether to continue consulting the family paediatrician or transition to a general practitioner for their adolescent or teen’s health concerns.
Paediatrics medicine takes on either the primary care role or specialise in different childhood conditions. These healthcare providers are among the most crucial for families because infant and childcare can make an immense difference to a child’s long-term well-being.
It is an excellent idea to establish a strong relationship with a paediatric care specialist while still expecting so that there will be fewer surprises along the way.
© 2023 All Rights Reserved | Healthcare Asia | Terms & Conditions
