Haryana to convert special newborn care units into mother-newborn care units by Nov 1

The ACS directed officials to expedite construction of eight maternal and child health wings, which will expand dedicated infrastructure for women and children and enhance the capacity of government hospitals to provide integrated maternal and child healthcare

The Haryana government has set a November 1 deadline for converting all special newborn care units (SNCUs) into mother-newborn care units. Stating this at the 12th meeting of the executive committee of the state health society, NHM on Saturday, additional chief secretary (ACS), health, Sumita Misra said that the focus is on converting SNCUs into mother-newborn care units. “The new model will bring maternal and newborn care under one integrated system, allowing mothers to remain closely connected with their newborns during specialised treatment. Haryana currently has 29 special newborn care units, 62 newborn stabilisation units and 527 newborn care corners,’’ the ACS said.

The meeting also reviewed the strengthening of First Referral Units (FRUs) so that pregnant women requiring specialised or emergency care can be referred and treated without unnecessary delay. (HT File)

Misra said that the planned conversion would be completed by November 1, strengthening a care model in which the health and recovery of both the mother and child are addressed together.

The ACS directed officials to expedite construction of eight maternal and child health wings, which will expand dedicated infrastructure for women and children and enhance the capacity of government hospitals to provide integrated maternal and child healthcare.

The meeting also reviewed the strengthening of First Referral Units (FRUs) so that pregnant women requiring specialised or emergency care can be referred and treated without unnecessary delay. She said that the state government has increased the number of designated FRUs from 40 to 100. The state has also recorded improvement in key maternal and child health indicators, with the maternal mortality ratio declining from 127 to 94 and the neonatal mortality rate from 26 to 17. Misra said that 38 specialist doctors have been recruited, covering key specialties including paediatrics, gynaecology, medicine, and anaesthesia. The ACS said that creches will be established in all district hospitals.