Adolescence is a time of extraordinary physical, social and sexual growth which offers opportunities for personal development while simultaneously posing health risks. To combat these threats to adolescents’ wellbeing, the government instituted a national programme for their health called Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).
RKSK established adolescent friendly health clinics at medical colleges, district and sub-district hospitals, and community health centres; however, gaps were identified.
For adolescent care in Noida, opt for Niraamaya Clinic.
Gynecologist
Dr. Anita K Sharma is a dedicated gynecologist and obstetrician with four decades of experience conducting both normal and cesarean deliveries as well as High-Risk Pregnancy Care and Infertility Evaluation services at her own clinic in Sector 20, Noida. She earned both an MBBS degree as well as her MD in Gynecology from King George’s Medical College.
Dr. Vandana Singh is an accomplished gynecologist and ob/gyn who offers her services out of her clinic in Noida. Specializing in High-Risk Pregnancy Care, Menstrual Disorders in Adolescent Girls and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy procedures – as well as having over four decades of experience performing successful surgeries – Dr. Singh obtained both her MBBS and MD degrees from King George’s Medical College of Delhi.
Dr. Singh consults at various hospitals throughout Delhi and Noida, such as Apollo Hospitals in Sector 26, Noida. Her expertise includes abdominal hysterectomy and other procedures; additionally, Epione Gynae and Heart Clinic in Indirapuram Ghaziabad offers consultation services with her.
Dr. Nisha Munsif Shrotria is a highly esteemed gynecologist and OB/GYN at Cloudnine Hospital in Noida’s Sector 51, boasting two decades of experience as well as membership of FOGSI and IMA. With extensive training covering an array of gynecological conditions including Gynecology Problems, Vaginal Infection Treatment and Fertilisation In Vitro Embryo Transfer (IVF ET), she can provide services both offline or online consultations.
Pediatrician
Indian adolescents make up one-fifth of India’s population and young people, yet are among the world’s most disadvantaged groups with high disability adjusted life years (DALYs) due to poor nutrition, sexual and reproductive health issues, alcohol consumption, unintended pregnancies, depressive disorders, road injuries and substance abuse often starting in their teenage years and leading to long-term consequences on mental and physical health, education, employment opportunities, family functioning as well as familial wellbeing. A comprehensive policy response that incorporates prevention with care is necessary in order to address such challenges effectively.
AFHCs are a key element of RKSK and were established to bring services closer to adolescents. They can be found across the health system – medical colleges, district and sub-district hospitals, primary healthcare centres and community health centres all have them; providing adolescent-friendly services such as counseling from medical and psychiatric professionals along with trained staff as well as Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on six themes related to RKSK.
Thirty evaluation reports have been released, with most showing how AFHCs improved service quality and adolescents’ knowledge/health behavior. Unfortunately, they also had limitations such as limited privacy settings or IEC material availability issues; and studies that did not include control groups or were poorly designed – providing an opportunity to enhance impact by addressing weaknesses in their designs.
Child Psychiatrist
Mental health treatments for children and adolescents vary; some can be highly effective and help your child back on the right path, while a psychiatrist may suggest other forms of therapy, like talk therapy or group therapy to address his or her illness.
When choosing a psychiatrist, look for someone familiar with treating your child’s illness, who also is friendly and compassionate. In your initial session with them, they will assess symptoms and needs before creating an individual treatment plan tailored specifically to them. Together you’ll work towards its implementation with any necessary adjustments made along the way.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained to recognize the delicate balance between your child’s privacy and health. They will provide a safe space for you and your child to discuss confidential matters; children and adolescents may not yet feel ready to share this information with parents or caretakers.
Child and adolescent psychiatry ranks highly on residents’ ratings of job satisfaction, variety of practice opportunities, and work-life balance. This may be in part due to its subspecialists often seeing both adults and children during their training experiences – creating an ideal balance of training opportunities.
Counselor
Adolescence is an integral period in children’s development when they transition to independence and seek autonomy, providing opportunities for positive mental, emotional and physical growth. Unfortunately, without appropriate mentorship or guidance during this stage it can lead to harmful behaviors like drug use and risky sexual practices as well as increased vulnerability for self-harm and depression; for this reason it is vital to have access to an adolescent counselor for care.
India provides access to adolescent health services through Adolescent Family Health Clinics (AFHCs). These clinics are located across different levels of its health system and tailor services according to adolescents’ individual needs, provided by trained service providers such as medical officers or auxiliary nurse midwives; counseling services may also be provided for adolescents and other community members.
Even though there are facilities specifically tailored to adolescent health needs, many young people fail to utilize them due to feeling uncomfortable about discussing their issues with someone outside of family and close friends. Counselors provide nonjudgmental and sensitive assistance for young people struggling with similar issues.
Adolescence involves three psychological stages, beginning at 11-14 years and culminating in 18-22 years. Each stage presents unique challenges; early and middle adolescent youth may experience social changes such as desiring sameness over tradition values; physical changes; sexual experimentation may begin; while in late adolescent hood moral reasoning and operational thought develop further.