MKCG Medical College launches special mother and newborn care unit
Berhampur: Under a first-of-its-kind initiative in Odisha, the government-run Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College and Hospital has launched a special unit for mother and newborn care on Sunday.
The newly inaugurated facility comprises a 10-bed special unit with modern equipment. It was inaugurated by Berhampur MLA K Anil Kumar in the presence of the Medical College's Dean-cum-Superintendent, Suchitra Das, and several senior doctors.
The special unit has been established under the National Health Mission (NHM) as part of efforts to enhance maternal and newborn healthcare services.
Speaking to TOI, Suchitra Das stated that in the MNCU, the mother's bed is placed right next to the baby's incubator. This will help maintain the baby's body temperature, reduce the risk of infection, improve nutrition, and lead to faster weight gain for the baby.
She also informed that the NHM has approved MNCUs for SCB-Cuttack and PRMMCH-Mayurbhanj as well.
On average, 30 deliveries take place daily at the referral hospital, a medical college, in southern Odisha. This unit will be managed jointly by the Departments of Gynaecology and Pediatrics. Trained nurses will be appointed to this unit. Mothers will be taught how to care for their newborns.
Additionally, the MLA from Berhampur stated that this initiative will play a pivotal role in reducing infant mortality and promoting breastfeeding, thereby strengthening the emotional bond between mother and child in the postpartum period. It is expected that this facility will benefit people residing in rural and remote areas.
Meanwhile, he also inaugurated additional beds in the Gynaecology Department's 'High Dependency Unit,' bringing the total number to eight.
The objective of this specialised unit is to provide integrated care to mothers and newborns, ensuring that "no separation" occurs between them during their hospital stay.
