Moreover, the disciplines of "Kamarbritya" and "Prasuti tantra" within traditional medicine emphasize prenatal and neonatal care, as well as the holistic management of childhood illnesses [5]. These encompass various aspects of maternal care, including dietary practices, leisure, restricted work, and sleep. Neonatal care protocols encompass cleaning, dressing, bathing, specific procedures, and the meticulous management of the umbilical cord. Breastfeeding practices, including the concept of wet nurses, are also integral to this traditional system. Additionally, it delves into early solid food introduction (anprasna) and the daily care routines for a child's eyes and skin [5]. Furthermore, within the realm of Ayurvedic pediatrics, there exists a practice known as Swarna Bindu Prashana (SBP), which involves the use of a metallic medicinal preparation. SBP comprises key ingredients such as gold nanoparticles, cow ghee, honey, and other substances known to enhance intellect and memory [6].

These historical development reveals the changing attitudes and practices related to child care across different civilizations, shedding light on the cultural and medical influences that have shaped pediatric healthcare over time.

Development of Specialised Child Health Care Hospitals:

The world's first pediatric hospital, known as the Hospital des Enfants Malades, was established in Paris in May 1802. Following this, London opened its first hospital for sick children, Great Ormond Street, in 1852, and 1855, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia became the first institution in the United States exclusively dedicated to treating sick children and infants [7].

In 1928, Sir Neiss Wadia and Sir Cusrow Wadia had a vision to provide specialized and affordable care for children in India. They realized this vision by building the Bai Jerabai Wadia Hospital for Children in memory of Bai Jerabai Wadia. The hospital's foundation stone was laid on March 7, 1928, and it was officially opened on December 12, 1929, by the Governor of Bombay, Sir Fredrick Sykes [9].

This hospital emerged as India's first independent specialized pediatric hospital solely focused on children's healthcare. In 1928, the field of pediatrics began in Bombay, with Dr George Coeho, often regarded as the father of pediatrics,

Evolution of Academic Courses in Childcare:

Within the larger healthcare landscape, the historical background of child healthcare in India holds significant importance. Notably, military nursing, which is believed to be among the first types of nursing in India, can be linked to the development of nursing in the nation. At Madras' St. George Fort, the East India Company set up a military hospital in 1604. Sisters from London's St. Thomas Hospital were sent to the military hospital in Madras in 1797, marking a significant turning point in medical history. This was a crucial milestone in the introduction of professional nursing care to India. additionally, a maternity hospital was founded in Madras in the same year. The year 1854 marked another significant turning point when the Indian government approved the opening of a midwifery training school in Madras. The objective of this effort was to raise the standard of maternal and child healthcare in the region.  A big advance happened in March 1888 with the arrival of ten highly qualified British nurses. Their main responsibility was to serve the British army stationed in India with nursing care. The country's system for delivering healthcare was significantly impacted by this influx of qualified nursing staff. A significant character in the history of Indian nursing arose in 1891. Bai Kasibai Ganpat, a graduate of the J.J. Group of Hospitals, emerged as the first Indian nurse in the history of Indian nursing in 1891, marking a significant shift in the composition of nursing professionals in India.

In addition, Miss T.K. Adranvala's efforts are crucial and cannot be overlooked. As she devotedly worked to raise nursing standards throughout India, she held positions as a ward sister, assistant matron, and hospital administrator. Miss Adranvala's work went beyond the confines of her own country as she represented Indian nursing at the World Health Organisation, further establishing the nation's position on the international healthcare stage [11].

Florence Nightingale in her semin4al book “Notes on Nursing”, emphasized children’s nursing care needs, and wrote: “It is the real test of a nurse whether she can nurse a sick infant”. [12] Inaugural paediatric nurses such as Anna Haswell (1908) also stressed the special nursing services required for child health. Articles addressing the needs of children have could be emerged in nursing journals before the publication of the first paediatric

There are diploma programs in neonatological nursing that are approved by the Indian Nursing Council and the National Neonatology Forum. These courses concentrate on producing highly qualified neonatological nurses who can work at various NICU levels [20]. Numerous professional organizations, such as the Indian Association of Neonatal Nurses, aim to enhance newborn care in India by holding workshops, conducting trainings and offering short courses regularly.

Changing concept of child health care:     

The previous model of child health care was disease-focused, had strict visiting hours, excluded parents from care, and treated children in only hospital settings. It concentrated on motherly care only after becoming pregnant. The provision of child care was delayed until after the delivery, and its primary goal was to offer curative and rehabilitative care. The modern concept of child health puts the child first and offers flexible visiting hours with sufficient parental engagement in child care. It places a strong emphasis on educating expectant mothers about how to care for their children from the moment of conception. The new idea of child care focuses on health promotion activities such as establishing suitable environmental activities connected to sex education and counselling. [21]

The way forward of child health nursing in India:

Although child health nursing has improved in the last few decades, many advancements are needed to enhance and uplift the standards of paediatric nursing in India, such as:

• Addressing the non-existent concept of paediatric speciality nurses in hospitals and communities.
• Providing opportunities for career advancement and recognition.
• Address the nurse-patient ratio and improve it according to Staff Inspection Unit(SIU) norms. [22]
• Creation of an intersectoral research forum with the active involvement of paediatric speciality nurses. [22]
• Providing better salaries and incentives for highly specialized child health nurses to increase nurses’ interest in the paediatric speciality. [22]