The Post Graduate Institute of Child Health (PGICH) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh has launched a new library service in the outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital with an aim to provide children with a space to read while they wait for treatment.
The library, inaugurated on Saturday, builds on a previous effort started three years ago when Archana Atri and her friends set up the first library in the pediatric hematology oncology ward.
They initiated a storytelling activity to help alleviate the anxiety of hospitalized children, particularly those with chronic illnesses. This program has been well-received and continues to engage young patients.
Now, the OPD library is stocked with a variety of story and educational books about diseases, benefiting both patients and their families. Books are regularly replenished to ensure availability for children who take them home.
During the inauguration, Dean Prof. DK Singh emphasized that interactive storytelling can significantly aid healing in children. He noted the strong connection between the emotional stress of children and their parents and their overall health outcomes. Engaging with stories allows children to identify with characters, helping them cope with their challenges, he added.
This approach, already established in many Western children’s hospitals, has been shown to reduce physical pain and provide a sense of normalcy for children missing school and home life due to illness. The library activities are planned to continue bi-weekly, said Dr Nita Radhakrishnan, Additional Professor and HOD, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.
The purpose of establishing this library is to combat the feelings of depression and boredom that children experience while waiting for treatment, as they often focus on their medical conditions. This space aims to provide them with a refreshing escape and a sense of joy, allowing them to engage with stories and educational materials that can uplift their spirits, she added.
