Remember Paediatrician Who Distracted Kids During Vaccination? His ‘Kissing & Touching’ Comfort Tricks Are Under Fire

Remember Paediatrician Who Distracted Kids During Vaccination? His ‘Kissing & Touching’ Comfort Tricks Are Under Fire

Dr Imran Patel, the paediatrician who once melted hearts with his gentle approach, is now at the centre of a heated debate. Just months ago, Dr Patel went viral for a wholesome moment inside his clinic: he softly sang to a frightened child before giving an injection, earning praise for turning fear into comfort. But today, the same approach that made him a beloved figure online has unexpectedly backfired.

Dr Patel is now facing criticism after a new video of him inside his clinic sparked a wave of concern. While his intentions appeared pure, viewers felt he went a little too far in trying to pacify a toddler during vaccination. The backlash has grown so large that his name has been trending across social platforms.

The controversy exploded when an X user shared a clip, which shows Dr Imran Patel holding the toddlers, kissing them on the legs and cheeks. The worst part? He is not wearing gloves or a mask and after giving the injection, he casually tosses the syringe aside. Viewers noted multiple hygiene lapses, which could pose a risk for infants.

The post quickly spread, drawing intense scrutiny from doctors and parents alike.

“Of course, I'm still unsure about throwing syringes and kissing toddlers. But maybe, in Indian culture, it's probably acceptable for both parents and clinicians. Well this technique is not standardised (thankfully) but is known as Gerba method after the distraction technique used by Dr. William M. Gerba," wrote Dr Shaurya Garg, an AIIMS Delhi physician.

Okay my bad, you don't need gloves for routine im sc id injectables.Of course, I'm still unsure about throwing syringes and kissing toddlers. But maybe, in Indian culture, it's probably acceptable for both parents and clinicians.Well this technique is not standardised…— Dr Shaurya Garg (@DrShauryaGarg) November 21, 2025

Another healthcare professional added that the theatrics were unnecessary. He wrote, “Throwing syringe after vaccination, touching/kissing on cheek is not standard practice. Without all this drama, they cry for less than a minute and are fine. It is better to cry when pain is experienced."

Throwing syringe after vaccination, touching / kissing on cheek is not standard practice. In fact without all this drama , they cry for less than a minute & are fine. it is better to cry when pain is experienced.. https://t.co/JLtYfEtE0W— Dr.Pushpa Kini

A mother, meanwhile, added, “Absolutely will not like any man, even a doctor, kissing my child. Just give the damn vaccination, let the child cry and be done with it..ughh."

Absolutely will not like any man, even a doctor, kissing my child.

Just give the damn vaccination, let the child cry and be done with it..ughh https://t.co/eK4XZFDUqp

— Pistol 5.0 (@payoshnis) November 19, 2025

In between the criticism, a user even defended Dr Patel, calling it all harmless. In a post on X, he wrote, “Except for the touching and kissing part, the rest of this ‘drama' is honestly harmless from a marketing or parent-engagement point of view." Signing off after a detailed explanation, he opined, “Everyone has their own style, and this is his way of connecting with parents at this stage of his career."

Except for the touching and kissing part, the rest of this ‘drama' is honestly harmless from a marketing or parent-engagement point of view.Doctor , You're a very senior doctor with a strong reputation, solid clinical skills, and years of academic credibility at a reputed…

— the clinical pharmacist (@shreejit_Rx) November 19, 2025

General Medical Rules On Kissing Babies

Doctors strongly advise against kissing babies, especially on the face, mouth or hands, due to infection risks like HSV-1 and respiratory viruses. Infants have weak immunity and delicate skin, making them highly vulnerable to infection and diseases.

Parents and close family typically express affection through hugs or kisses on the cheek or forehead, not the lips. Kissing on the lips is discouraged until the child is older, usually after six months, when some immunity develops.

As children grow, respecting their comfort and consent for physical affection becomes essential. Visitors should never kiss a baby if they are unwell and instead, opt for hugs, gentle pats and caresses.

Only healthy parents or caregivers should kiss the baby, that too, on the top or back of the head or the feet. Everyone must wash their hands thoroughly before touching the baby.

For paediatricians and medical professionals, kissing toddlers or young children is strictly discouraged to ensure the prevention of infection and maintain professional boundaries.

Techniques To Comfort Toddlers Without Kissing

Clinicians can comfort toddlers effectively without relying on gestures like kissing. Some of these effective methods include using a combination of emotional reassurance, play-based distractions and gentle physical support. A soothing tone, simple explanations and consistent encouragement help toddlers feel secure.

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Distraction techniques include toys, bubbles, funny faces, art, music or brief storytelling. Parents can also be involved by holding or cuddling the child or allowing the toddler to sit upright. Creating a calming environment with soft lighting, familiar objects and relaxed breathing exercises further eases things and medical treatment.

Most importantly, validating the child's emotions, acknowledging their fear and displaying patience helps build trust without compromising hygiene or professional boundaries.

Source: News18
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