Mumbai : P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, conducted a special educational and support program titled “Empower & Educate: A Day of Support for Children with Type 1 Diabetes”, dedicated to children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes from underprivileged villages and low-income communities. Organised under the hospital’s expanding Type 1 Diabetes Initiative (T1Di), the programme combined interactive learning, hands-on demonstrations and emotional support, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all.
Launched in 2019 by P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Hinduja Foundation, the Type 1 Diabetes Initiative provides comprehensive, no-cost medical care to approximately 400 children, bridging critical gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and continuing care. With an investment of Rs. 110 million (Rs. 11 Cr) so far, the initiative has built a sustainable model that supports the clinical, emotional, and lifestyle needs of young patients.
Through its multidisciplinary approach, the programme has achieved significant improvements, including reducing average HbA1c levels from 10.2% to 7–8%, lowering hospitalisations by 75%, and strengthening treatment adherence through structured counselling, life skills education, and peer-group engagement.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said: “Our Founder, Shri Parmanand Hinduja, believed that healthcare and education are every human being’s birthright. At P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, T1Di brings this belief to life by ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances, receives the care, knowledge, and support they need to manage Type 1 Diabetes effectively. For many families, managing Type 1 Diabetes can be overwhelming, especially when resources are limited. Our commitment as a hospital is to walk alongside them and ensure every child has the opportunity to lead a healthy, confident, and empowered life.”
The one-day programme, Empower & Educate, included sessions on insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, and nutrition through interactive food card games, as well as guided activities focusing on emotional wellbeing. Engaging exercises such as Build Your Plate and group expression workshops made learning approachable and enjoyable for children and caregivers.
Sharing her perspective, Dr. Phulrenu Chauhan, Section Head Endocrinology and Consultant Endocrinologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said: “Children living with Type 1 Diabetes need far more than periodic clinical consultations. They need continuous support as they navigate school routines, sports, exams, peer interactions, and daily challenges. T1Di is built to address these realities by combining personalised medical care with counselling, nutrition guidance, and the kind of emotional support that helps children and families feel secure and empowered. Our aim is for every child to know that they are capable, not limited, because of their condition.”
The T1Di programme is anchored by a multidisciplinary care team including endocrinologists, Diabetes Educator, nutritionists and counsellors. By integrating clinical guidance with practical life skills and psychosocial support, the initiative aims to reduce stigma, build resilience, and enable children to thrive across all areas of life. Through this initiative and its community-focused engagements, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC remains committed to delivering equitable, compassionate, and holistic care, ensuring that every child living with Type 1 Diabetes receives the support they deserve to lead a full and confident life.
