Aundh, Pune – The Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at Aundh District Hospital (ADH), which provides essential care for sick and premature newborns, continues to remain underutilized five months after a devastating fire. The incident, which occurred on November 17, 2024, has led to the hospital shifting its Pediatric Ward to the same campus, causing significant disruption in service.
Fire Incident and Temporary Operations
The fire in the SNCU forced the hospital to relocate the ward temporarily. Originally, the SNCU had a capacity of 24 beds, but due to space constraints in the temporary location, the unit is now operating with only 12 beds. This reduction in capacity has created severe inconvenience for patients and their families, as many are left without critical care services.
The hospital has been awaiting renovation of the unit but has faced delays due to a lack of funds, with officials stating that the necessary renovation is a top priority.
Impact on Patients and Families
The underutilization of the SNCU has had a dire impact on families, many of whom have been forced to seek treatment at private hospitals, often at high costs. One such case is that of Sheetal Patil (name changed), who shared her distressing experience:
“My newborn was critical, and we had to rush to a private hospital because there were no beds available here. The cost outside is very high. We hope the government restores the SNCU soon.”
Health Activist’s Concern
Health activist Sharad Shetty expressed his frustration with the situation, pointing out that despite significant refurbishment work being done in the male and female surgical wards earlier this year, no attention was given to the SNCU. He criticized the hospital staff and administration for their lack of initiative in prioritizing the renovation of the unit:
“The staff at the hospital lacks the willpower to start the facility, despite a large number of people suffering. Parents have to run from pillar to post in search of SNCU beds. The funds used for renovation and painting work could have been utilised for the renovation of the SNCU. However, the ADH staff and administration are insensitive towards the needy patients.”
Hospital’s Response and Future Plans
Dr. Nagnath Yempalle, civil surgeon of Pune district and head of ADH, acknowledged the situation, stating that the fire incident forced the temporary relocation of the SNCU. The unit’s capacity was reduced by half, and urgent renovation is needed. He explained that the hospital had requested funds for the renovation from the District Planning Development Committee (DPDC) in January, but they had yet to receive any grant. However, he mentioned that they recently met with officials, who assured them that the funds would be arranged soon.
Conclusion
The SNCU’s continued underutilization has been a source of concern for many families who depend on the hospital for critical newborn care. With renovations on hold due to financial constraints, it remains to be seen when the unit will return to full operation and meet the needs of the community.
