Medical experts concerned over lack of quality neonatal care
Mumbai: Lack of quality neonatal care, especially in rural areas, is the key reason for the high mortality rate among newborn babies, medical experts said.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NHFS) 2015-16 released early this month, neonatal mortality in urban centres is 29 (per 1,000 live births) and 46 in rural areas. Overall the figure is 41 per 1,000 live births, translating into around six-and-a-half lakh deaths of babies a year.
Bhupendra Avasthi, Director, Surya Mother and Child Hospital, said premature births, infections and asphyxia (baby not crying after birth) are the main reasons behind these deaths.
"There is a severe shortage of neonatal ICUs in the country. While private hospitals in Mumbai have around 300 beds reserved for such cases, the city alone needs at least 1,000 beds," Avasthi said.
Sonal Saste, a pediatrician, said many of the preterm babies who survive suffer from various disabilities like cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, learning disabilities and respiratory illnesses.
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