‘Four babies were born after 7 months of pregnancy only, they needed advanced care’
The authorities in north Kashmir's Kupwara district Tuesday said that neonatal care units are functional with dedicated staff including doctors and nurses to take care of new-born babies.
Neonatal care is a dedicated unit at a Hospital for new-born babies with premature birth or who are sick.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a senior health official said that Neonatal care units are functional at almost all hospitals across the district. "It may not be of that high quality at border areas but these facilities are available at all CHCs and PHCs. At CHC Kupwara and District Hospital Handwara dedicated staff and nurses remain stationed there."
A senior official at Community Health Center (CHC) Kupwara said that almost all newborns receive neonatal care. "There are two levels of this care; it includes 1 and 2. In level 1 all newborn babies are taken to ensure their good health. In level 2 only those with some sickness are taken. We have both levels available at CHC Kupwara," the official said.
He said that only those with serious conditions are referred from CHC to other hospitals. Referring to the recent deaths of quadruplets, the official said that they were born in the 7th month and required advanced care. "Usually, in these naturally rare cases, the shelf life is very less."
The official also said that dedicated health officials remain there in service for round-the-clock surveillance. "A paediatrician along with dedicated trained nurses remain stationed there. These nurses are very well trained specifically to work in this dedicated unit for newborn babies. There are regular rounds of doctors. We maintain the record of both admission and referral," the official said.
The official added that neonatal care units are functional in border areas like Keran, Karnah, and Machil as well. "Facilities are available at all the CHCs and PHCs. These facilities are not that advanced given that referrals are high from border areas. Baby warmers and other required things are available although not at a high level but these essential items are ensured," the official said.
Another official stated that in Kashmir Valley usually there are seasonal births. "Most of the marriages in the valley take place during the consents of the winter season like in September, October, and November.".
A senior official at the district Hospital Handwara said that the neonatal care unit is functional with the required medical team consisting of doctors and trained nurses. "On average, about 2 to 3 patients remain admitted there daily. Round-the-clock medical team remains deputed there."
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HEALTH