A Child Wellness & Autism Clinic was formally inaugurated today at the Department of Psychiatry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS, Imphal. The clinic is a joint initiative of RIMS, Imphal, and the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC), Imphal West, aimed at strengthening early identification, timely intervention, and comprehensive care for children with developmental, behavioural, and autism spectrum disorders.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. M. Dinesh Singh, Director, State Health Mission, Manipur, who presided over the function, and Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent, RIMS Hospital, Imphal, as the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present included Prof. S. Gojendra Singh, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, RIMS, Dr. A. Sylvia Devi, State Nodal Officer, RBSK, Manipur, and Dr. N. Dayabati Devi, Chief Medical Officer, Imphal West.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma said that the inauguration of the Child Wellness and Autism Clinic marks a significant milestone and is among the first of its kind in the Northeast. Recognising autism as a neurodevelopmental condition, he stated that the clinic, in collaboration with NHM–RBSK, will function five days a week and provide early screening, diagnosis, therapy, parental counselling, training, research, and advocacy to ensure inclusive and comprehensive child care.
The clinic will offer under-one-roof management and referral services for children aged 0–18 years, with a focus on screening for 4D conditions—Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental delays. Special attention will be given to conditions such as Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), vision, dental, and skin problems. Services will also cover common neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and Rett syndrome etc.
The clinic will operate Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening child mental health and developmental services in Manipur through coordinated efforts between medical institutions and public health programmes.
