Improved Emergency Transportation and Neonatal Care in Focus
Jaipur: The health department has initiated corrective measures following a TOI report highlighting the deaths of newborns due to inadequate emergency transportation facilities and the absence of trained medical personnel during transfers.
The report, based on a study by JK Lon Hospital, pointed out critical gaps in government-run ambulances, which lacked specialized neonatal care during patient transfers.
“We have taken cognisance of the report and directed the National Health Mission (NHM) managing director and the director of reproduction and child health to implement corrective actions,” said Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Health Department. She assured that the department is committed to enhancing neonatal transfer facilities to prevent such fatalities.
Findings from JK Lon Hospital’s Study
- 26% of neonates referred to JK Lon Hospital did not survive.
- Common reasons for referrals included very low birth weight, surgical conditions, and hemodynamic instability.
Proposed Corrective Measures
- Referring hospitals must stabilize neonates before transfer.
- Proper referral details should accompany each newborn to ensure continuity of care.
- Upgrading ambulance services with trained neonatal care specialists.
With these interventions, the health department aims to reduce neonatal mortality rates and ensure safer emergency transfers for critically ill newborns.
