With the intention of relieving the parents of the Tracheostomy patients from logistical, monetary and emotional burden the Children’s Airway & Swallowing Centre (CASC) at Manipal Hospitals has launched the first-of-its-kind Pediatric Airway & Tracheostomy Safety (PATS) module, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Being a life-saving treatment Tracheostomy bypasses the airway obstruction, but it is difficult to maintain because it necessitates constant suction toileting and the child loses his or her voice. Traditional hospitals, both public and private, lack the infrastructure to adequately address this problem.

The CASC has reduced the time needed to spend in hospital for such children and enabled them to continue their recovery at home, credit going to the PATS Module and the PATS Home Safety Care Guide. Manipal Hospital now has enhanced medical services to help patients transition to home care with ease and confidence. CASC currently has approximately 400 children receiving Home Ventilation Services, all of whom are doing well.

According to Dr. E V Raman, Director - Childrens Airway & Swallowing Centre, PATS was another stage in Manipal Hospital Old Airport Roads "Last Mile Connectivity Home" program for children in intensive care units to return to their homes, schools, and playgrounds and lead normal life. (ETHealthWorld, June 01, 2022)