Chennai hospital launches initiative to conduct free health checks for children under five

On the occasion of World Health Day, SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani, has launched a year-long initiative to conduct free health checks for children under the age of five in government kindergarten schools across Chennai.

On the occasion of World Health Day, SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani, has launched a year-long initiative to conduct free health checks for children under the age of five in government kindergarten schools across Chennai.

The initiative, named ‘Care Bears - Nurturing the Future’, was inaugurated by Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, Member of Parliament, North Chennai, on Monday (April 7, 2025). Speaking at the event, Dr. Veeraswamy said that in Tamil Nadu, which has significantly reduced infant mortality rates over the last five decades, multiple schemes across different governments have been introduced to empower people, addressing financial, social, and educational needs.

“Right from our great leaders likeK. Kamaraj, Anna, our former Chief Ministers Karunanidhi, M.G.R, Jayalalithaa, and our present Chief Minister, all have strived to ensure that the well-being of the people is of utmost importance — not only in terms of health but also in terms of eradicating poverty,” he said.

Raju Sivasamy, Vice President of SIMS Hospital, said that ‘Care Bears’ is an initiative spearheaded by the Paediatrics Department of the hospital and is designed to offer comprehensive paediatric care, including regular screening, early diagnosis, nutritional guidance, and parent education.

As part of the initiative, a team will conduct monthly visits to participating schools. Children aged 0-5 years will be screened for growth parameters, including height, weight, developmental milestones, and cognitive and emotional well-being. Additional assessments will include checks for chest deformities, dental hygiene, sensory health such as vision and hearing, and overall physical wellness, Dr. Sivasamy said.