In The Spotlight

Chief Returning Officer — IAP Election Committee

Dr. N.K. Mittal has been appointed Chief Returning Officer of the Election Committee of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, under the chairpersonship of Dr. Neelam Mohan, National President IAP 2026, with a tenure up to 31 December 2027.

The role entrusts him with overseeing the electoral processes of one of the country's largest medical bodies — ensuring transparency, constitutional compliance, impartiality, and ethical governance across all zones of the Academy. It is a significant national acknowledgment of his integrity, administrative credibility, and four decades of leadership in Indian pediatrics.

Leadership with integrity. Service with accountability. Commitment to the nation's children and the profession.

Is Your Child's Ongoing Cough a Warning of Tuberculosis?

In this expert session, Dr. Rajiv Uttam (Director, Paediatric Pulmonology, Medanta Gurugram) is joined by Dr. Narender Kumar Mittal to discuss recognising tuberculosis in children at an early stage.

• When a persistent cough in children should raise concern for TB
• Common early symptoms that are often missed
• How childhood tuberculosis is diagnosed
• Available treatment options and outcomes — and when to seek specialist care

Nominated State IAP Nodal Officer — Pediatric TB Project 🇮🇳

Dr. Mittal has been nominated as State IAP Nodal Officer for the Pediatric TB Project implemented by World Health Partners (WHP) in collaboration with the State TB Cell under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme — a responsibility he describes not as a designation, but as a mission.

Having treated nearly 2,000 children with TB and ensured free treatment for those in need, his objectives in this role are:

• Strengthening early detection of pediatric TB
• Improving notification and reporting
• Ensuring complete and supervised treatment
• Creating awareness among pediatricians and families
• Supporting the Government's vision of eliminating TB

"India eliminated Polio. With the same determination, we can eliminate Tuberculosis too. TB-Mukt Bharat is a collective national responsibility."

State-Level Engagement for Strengthening TB Elimination

Dr. Mittal participated in a state-level online meeting convened by the State TB Cell, Haryana, chaired by the State TB Officer, with all District TB Officers and IMA Haryana District Presidents — focused on programmatic strategies under the NTEP.

He shared clinical and public-health perspectives on the under-recognition of childhood TB, the need for pediatric-specific diagnostics and treatment, prevention through early intervention and TB Preventive Treatment (TPT), and the role of nutrition and child-friendly diagnostics — inputs warmly received by the State TB leadership.

Chief Guest — National Style Open Kabaddi Championship, Purkhas Rathi

Dr. Mittal was invited as Chief Guest at the National Style Open Kabaddi Championship in his native village, Purkhas Rathi, Sonipat — a visit of deep emotional significance that reconnected him with the soil where his childhood began.

A most touching moment was his return to his ancestral home after nearly five decades. Standing inside the small house where he was born, he reflected on the sacrifices of his parents. He expressed pride in the young rural athletes, affirming that with dedication and discipline they can excel on national and international platforms — even the Olympics. The community warmly acknowledged his work toward a TB-Free Bharat.

Dr. Agrima Mittal — Scientific Presentation at Kollam, Kerala

Dr. Agrima Mittal, MS Ophthalmology (Kochi), was invited to deliver a scientific presentation at a prestigious ophthalmology academic program in Kollam, Kerala. Her talk was highly appreciated by senior ophthalmologists and faculty for its scientific depth, clarity, and practical clinical value — a milestone reflecting her dedication and growing expertise.

Endorsed for the GAPIO Lifetime Achievement Award 2025–26

Prof. S.K. Singhal, Director of PGIMS Rohtak, strongly seconded Dr. Mittal's nomination — praising four decades of service in pediatric TB care, neonatal ventilation, immunization, and public health, and his charitable free OPDs, immunization drives, and adoption of 1,200 TB patients. He described him as a visionary teacher, compassionate clinician, and exemplary human being.

Prof. (Dr.) H.K. Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of UHS Rohtak, also recommended him — highlighting his pioneering role in neonatal ventilation, treatment of 2,000+ TB patients, and 100% BCG coverage achieved without external aid, with appreciation from WHO, DGHS Haryana, and MoHFW.

NEOCON Haryana Annual Conference — Organising Chairperson

Held at Wyndham Garden, Sonipat under the leadership of Organising Chairperson Dr. N.K. Mittal, the conference hosted 200+ delegates from across the country. Dr. Mittal contributed as a panellist in the Vaccination Panel, delivering a talk on the BCG vaccine — a subject central to child health and TB elimination. A vibrant academic feast of stimulating discussions and insightful sessions.

Awarded European CME Credits (ECMECs®)

Dr. Mittal was awarded European CME Credits (ECMECs®) by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) for completing the Post-Graduate Program in Pediatric Clinical Care (PGPPC). Organised by the Accord Educare Foundation with the Signutra Nutrition Institute and accredited by the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS), it reflects his commitment to global standards and evidence-based pediatric care.

India's 21% Decline in TB Incidence — A Contribution to TB Mukt Bharat

The WHO's Global TB Report 2025 highlights India's historic progress: a 21% reduction in TB incidence, nearly twice the global rate — reflecting intensified efforts in early diagnosis, treatment adherence, community outreach, and decentralized care. At Mittal Nursing Home, Dr. Mittal has played a significant role in advancing the Abhiyan through decades of pediatric TB care.

• Treatment of 2,000 pediatric TB patients, including free TB OPD services in 2024–25
• 31,500+ BCG vaccinations ensuring near-100% newborn coverage
• Adoption of patients through Ni-Kshay Mitra for nutrition and follow-up
• Digital TB reporting and early case detection
• Collaboration with district health authorities and government programs
• Extensive public awareness and community counselling initiatives

"TB Mukt Bachpan, Swasth Bharat."