E-Paper
?Infant mortality rate high in India?
MORE THAN 9 million neo-natal deaths occurred each year across the world, out of which 98 per cent were reported in developing countries alone, said Head of the Pediatrics Department in the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Prof. BD Bhatia.
MORE THAN 9 million neo-natal deaths occurred each year across the world, out of which 98 per cent were reported in developing countries alone, said Head of the Pediatrics Department in the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Prof. BD Bhatia.
Speaking on the inauguration of an advanced neo natal intensive care unit at Sir Sunderlal Hospital in BHU here on Wednesday, Prof Bhatia highlighted infant mortality across the world.
He said that about 34 of every 1000 live born babies suffered neo-natal death (from birth to one month). “Neo-natal deaths account for two-third of deaths in infancy and 40 per cent of deaths before the age of 5 years”, he said, adding that the major causes of neo-natal death were infections, preterm delivery and asphyxia. “Important indirect causes include low birth weight and hypothermia”.Prof. Bhatia said that the newly established neo natal intensive care unit comprised of advanced equipment to extend facilities of artificial ventilator support, warmers, syringe pumps, photo-therapy, monitors etc.
He said that they would admit the newly born babies within 28 days of their birth. “There are 25 beds for newly born babies and 5 for their mothers.
The unit has been established with a sum of more than Rs 30 lakh”, he informed.Addressing the gathering, BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Panjab Singh, who inaugurated the unit, expressed the hope that the neo-natal care unit would serve the masses and help in bringing down infant mortality. IMS Director Prof.
Gajendra Singh expressed concern over the infant mortality rate across the country in general and in Uttar Pradesh in particular. Prof. Singh also promised to extend financial support of Rs. 30 lakh for establishing pediatric emergency and intensive care unit.
