C’nagar dist hospital records 55 newborn deaths in 16 months – ET HealthWorld

Lack of ventilators in neonatal care units and other emergency treatment facilities are believed to be the reason behind the rise in fatalities. Though the hospital has one specialist neonatal care unit, eight paediatricians,the increase in infant deaths due to lack of basic facilities has raised a lot of concern among people. Despite there being only one specialist in neonatal care, the government has not yet recruited specialists to CIMS Hospital which was started five years ago in the backward district to take care of newborns.

Due to lack of expert medical attention, ventilator, incubators and other lifesaving equipment in MCH unit, the hospital authorities are referring the patients, particularly premature babies and complicated delivery cases, to hospitals in Mysuru and other places, according to sources.

During 2020-21, district hospital recorded 1,167 deliveries. Of this, 838 patients were discharged after full recovery, while 229 cases were shifted to other hospitals and 36 deaths were recorded. Likewise, by the end of July this year, the district hospital had registered 418 cases. Of this, 301 cases were discharged after full recovery, 93 cases shifted to other hospitals and 19 deaths were reported. In all, the district witnessed deaths of 55 newborn babies.

Speaking to TOI, CIMS director Dr Sanjeev said the district had registered an infant mortality rate of 3 % in 2020 against 4.5% in 2021. Infections, pneumonia, low birth weight, breathing defects were the major reasons for the spike in fatalities.

“The CIMS has set up a 100-bed hospital at its Yedapura campus for children to tackle the third wave of Covid. Of these, 10 beds were fitted with a ventilator and other lifesaving facilities. Same beds and emergency treatment facilities to be used for MCH units once the cases decline,” he said.