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Diploma in Child Health (DCH) is
a postgraduate diploma course in Pediatrics. The course emphasizes the study of
child healthcare, such as neonatal care, nutrition, Pediatric diseases,
immunization, growth and development, and child psychology. The course is
designed to provide medical graduates with the knowledge to identify and treat
diseases in infants, children, and adolescents.
This program is suitable for MBBS
graduates who wish to pursue a career in Pediatrics but seek a short-term,
skill-oriented program rather than a full-fledged MD/MS degree. The diploma
provides both theoretical concepts and practical training in childcare.
|
Course
Name |
Diploma in Child Health (DCH) |
|
Duration |
2 years |
|
Level |
Postgraduate Diploma |
|
Mode |
Full-time |
|
Eligibility |
MBBS degree from a recognized medical college |
|
Admission
Process |
Entrance exam-based (NEET PG or state-level) |
|
Approved
By |
Medical Council of India (MCI)/NMC |
|
Focus Areas |
Pediatrics, neonatology, child psychology,
nutrition, growth & development |
|
Internship |
Hospital training as a mandatory part |
|
Career
Scope |
Pediatrician, Neonatologist, Child Health
Specialist |
To be eligible to apply for the
Diploma in Child Health (DCH), candidates need to meet the following
eligibility requirements:
1. Educational Qualification: Should possess an MBBS degree from an
MCI/National Medical Commission recognized institution.
2. Internship Completion: Should have finished a 1-year compulsory
internship post-MBBS.
3. Medical Registration: Should be validly registered with the
State Medical Council or MCI/NMC.
4. Entrance Exam: Passing NEET-PG is required for admissions to DCH
courses in most colleges.
The DCH application process
generally includes the following steps:
1. Entrance Exam Registration: Register for NEET PG or similar
state-level exams.
2. Score Declaration: Sit in the exam and wait for results and merit
list.
3. Counseling Process: Apply for counseling round by MCC or
relevant state authorities.
4. College Selection: Select colleges on the basis of rank,
preference, and availability.
5. Document Verification: Submit documents for verification.
6. Payment of Fee: Secure the admission by payment of the necessary
tuition fee.
Admission to Diploma in Child
Health is competitive and is mostly merit-based on entrance examination marks.
Here's a step-by-step admission procedure:
1. Qualify NEET PG: Valid NEET PG score is required by most
institutes.
2. Counseling Registration: Attend All India or State Quota
counseling.
3. Seat Allotment: Candidates are allotted colleges based on merit
and available seats.
4. Submission of Documents: Produce MBBS degree, certificate of
internship, NEET PG score card, identity document, and registration
certificate.
5. Confirmation of Admission: Payment of first-year fees and
confirmation of admission.
The syllabus of DCH course is
such that it is meant to offer in-depth knowledge and practical training in
Pediatric medicine. The course has theoretical studies, clinical practice, and
hospital-based training.
Core Subjects Include:
Growth and Development of
Children
Pediatric Nutrition
Neonatology
Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Pediatric Emergencies and Critical Care
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Nephrology
Pediatric Endocrinology
Child Psychiatry and Psychology
Community Pediatrics
Immunization and Vaccination Programs
Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics
Practical Training:
Pediatric ward rounds
NICU & PICU postings
Case studies and seminars
Patient handling and diagnosis
Emergency Pediatric care training
Here are some of the reputed
institutions offering DCH in India:
Armed Forces Medical College,
Pune-NEET PG-80,000/year
Christian Medical College,
Vellore-NEET PG-1.5 Lakh/year
Grant Medical College,
Mumbai-NEET PG-1 Lakh/year
KMC Manipal, Manipal-NEET PG-1.6
Lakh/year
Madras Medical College,
Chennai-NEET PG-50,000/year
BJ Medical College,
Ahmedabad-NEET PG, 75,000/year
Maulana Azad Medical College,
New-Delhi NEET PG-1 Lakh/year
Here are some compelling reasons
to pursue a DCH course:
1. Short Duration Course
DCH is a 2-year diploma with
specialized knowledge without the 3-year commitment of an MD degree.
2. High Demand for Pediatricians
Increased demand for child health
professionals in India and overseas provides robust career prospects.
3. Lucrative Career Path
One can work as a doctor in
hospitals, private clinics, child care centers, or even open one's own
Pediatric practice after DCH.
4. Further Specialization
The DCH serves as a stepping
stone to higher specializations such as MD Pediatrics, Neonatology, Pediatric
Cardiology, etc.
5. Government and NGO Jobs
Government health schemes and
NGOs employ diploma holders in maternal and child health schemes.
After the completion of the Diploma in Child Health, students can find
employment in
Government & Private
Hospitals
Pediatric Clinics
NICU & PICU Units
Maternity & Child Welfare
Programs
NGOs & International Health
Organizations
Medical Teaching Institutions (as
Junior Residents)
Job Designations
Pediatrician
Neonatologist (experienced)
Child Health Specialist
Medical Officer (Child Welfare)
Consultant in Child Health
Average Salary
5 to 12 LPA based on skills like
experience & location
|
Q1. How
long is Diploma in Child Health? |
|
Ans: The DCH is a full-time postgraduate diploma
program of 2 years' duration. |
|
Q2. Who
can study this course? |
|
Ans: MBBS graduates who completed one-year
internship and possess MCI/NMC registration are eligible. |
|
Q3. Is
NEET PG compulsory for admission? |
|
Ans: Admission into most of the prestigious DCH
colleges is done on the basis of NEET PG marks. |
|
Q4. Am I
allowed to practice as a Pediatrician after finishing DCH? |
|
Ans: Yes, DCH holders are qualified to practice
as Pediatricians in hospitals and clinics. |
|
Q5. How
much is the average fee for this course? |
|
Ans: The fees vary between ₹50,000 to ₹2
lakhs per year depending on the institution. |
|
Q6. Is DCH
recognized by MCI/NMC? |
|
Ans: Yes, DCH is a recognized medical diploma by
the National Medical Commission (formerly MCI). |
|
Q7. Can I
do MD Pediatrics after DCH? |
|
Ans: Yes, after DCH, you can reappear for NEET PG
and do MD Pediatrics. |
|
Q8. What
are the best job opportunities after DCH? |
|
Ans: Pediatrician, Child Health Specialist,
Neonatal Care Officer, and Medical Officer. |
|
Q9. Is
there a scope for DCH abroad? |
|
Ans: Yes, but you might have to appear for
licensing exams in foreign countries such as the UK (PLAB) or USA (USMLE). |
|
Q10. Can I
open a private clinic after DCH? |
|
Ans: Yes, by getting registered and licensed, you
can start your Pediatric clinic. |
The Diploma in Child Health is a
great option for MBBS graduates who are child healthcare enthusiasts and wish
to achieve Pediatrician status in a faster manner. With increased awareness
regarding child health and rising demand for Pediatric care, DCH is a
worthwhile career both professionally and economically.
Whether to pursue rural health
programs or to begin your own Pediatric practice, this diploma will equip you
with the proper knowledge, clinical exposure and working skills. If you are
seeking a meaningful, rewarding, and effective medical profession, Diploma in
Child Health is an ideal decision.
