Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute (HCJMRI) and Bajaj Finserv CSR inaugurate Pune’s First Comprehensive Centre of Excellence for Type1 Diabetes

Pune: Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute (HCJMRI) and Bajaj Finserv CSR today launched the Sweetlings – Centre of Excellence for Type 1 Diabetes, a form of diabetes which is usually diagnosed in childhood or in young adults. Located at Sohrab Hall premise opposite the Jehangir Hospital in Pune, this specialized facility is designed to bridge a critical gap in pediatric care by providing a high-quality home for the holistic management of the condition.

Type1 Diabetes in children is an autoimmune disorder where the body cannot produce insulin, making daily insulin support essential for survival. The number of children affected is steadily rising in India. In the Pune and PCMC region alone, over 20,000 children and young adults under the age of 20 are estimated to be living with this condition.

The newly established Sweetlings Centre of Excellence aims to bridge this gap. Supported by Bajaj Finserv under its CSR, the upgraded facility includes dedicated consultation rooms, improved medical equipment, and better administrative systems, enabling it to serve larger number of children, including both underprivileged and self- paying patients. It will now operate six days a week, significantly expanding access to care.

Shefali Bajaj, Chairperson CSR Steering Committee, Bajaj Finserv, “While Type 1 Diabetes among children is on the rise, access to consistent and comprehensive care remains limited. Through Bajaj Finserv’s ongoing work with HCJMRI, we collectively identified key gaps that were limiting more underprivileged children from accessing treatment. To address this, the Sweetlings Centre of Excellence has been established, where the treatment of underprivileged children will be supported by the company under this initiative. It is also a significant step towards strengthening child health infrastructure in Pune.”

Mr. Jehangir H.C. Jehangir, Chairman HCJMRI and Jehangir Hospital, Pune said, “The Sweetlings Centre of Excellence reflects our commitment to comprehensive and compassionate care for children with type 1 diabetes. It builds on Jehangir Hospital’s ethos of ethical and patient-centred care, bringing together expertise and support under one roof to improve the lives of children and their families.’

Dr. Anuradha Khadilkar, Deputy Director and Consultant Paediatrician at the Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute Jehangir Hospital, Pune, said “Type 1 diabetes in children is not just a medical condition—it affects every part of a child’s daily life, from school and play to emotions and family routines. At Sweetlings, our aim is to provide truly holistic care combining medical treatment, education, emotional support, and practical guidance so that children and their families can live with confidence every single day.”

For the last sixteen years, HCJMRI’s “Sweetlings” program at Jehangir Hospital has been providing treatment to children with Type1 diabetes but has been operating only once a week due to limited infrastructure. Despite these constraints, the program has supported over 800 underprivileged children. However, the lack of infrastructure led to staffing challenges which made it increasingly difficult for the clinic to meet the growing demand.

In a more child-friendly environment, the centre will continue to provide comprehensive care now in a more structured and expanded manner across multiple days. This includes medical consultations, insulin support, and nutritional counselling. A multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, dietitians, and psychologists will further strengthen support through a 24-hour helpline and regular school outreach, ensuring children receive continuous and holistic care.

This collaboration highlights the expertise of HCJMRI, which has a long history of socially responsible research and health projects for vulnerable populations in urban slums and rural areas like Ranjangaon. For Bajaj Finserv, the project represents a core focus on advancing healthcare infrastructure specifically in Pune as part of its broader CSR vision for Child Health.