Introduction

I am an MD paediatrician (Registration Number: MCI2919) with 35 years of professional experience and 25 years of work in protection of child consumer, some of which was done as a member of Committee for Protection of Child Consumer, Indian Academy of Paediatrics. I was motivated by reading a chapter on child advocacy in one of my textbooks way back in 1977. It was stated that as children cannot speak for themselves, every qualified pediatricians must speak for them , in matters that adversely affect or pose a danger to their health, be it medicines, toys, clothing, toiletries/cosmetics, electrical fittings or baby food. In my day to day practise, I have found that at present there is no organization that is willing to undertake this awareness campaign. The reason is obvious- the money involved in marketing children's products is enormous. No individual can counter the propaganda and misinformation of multinational giants that pump out advertisements, inducement and commissions offered for sale of these products especially vaccines, medication and cosmetics. The intention of this blog is to disseminate authentic information with references as well as personal clinical experience.

I, Dr. Dinesh Khosla do hereby swear in full adherence to Medical Council of India's code of ethics that I have not for past years, and will not in future accept any financial inducements in cash or kind, from any manufacturer of children's consumer goods.