16 docs trained to battle neo-natal mortality

BAREILLY: In a first of its kind initiative to fight against high neo-natal mortality rate taken by central government, a pilot project, ‘Helping babies survive and thrive initiative’, concluded a three-day training programme of 16 doctors here on Sunday.
The US Agency for International Development and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), National Neo natal Forum (NNF) and others were associated with the project. Speaking to TOI, national program officer of the pilot project Dr Nishtha Katheria Juneja said, “Neo-natal death rate in India is quite high. Around 29 newborns die within six months of their birth per 1,000 babies born in the country which means that three newborns die among every 100 babies a week.”
Many of these deaths can be avoided by simple precautions taken either by doctors and trained staff nurses on the one hand and by making parents aware, on other, she added. “Our programme is based on all such do’s and don’ts which can increase survival rate of newborns.”
Dr Atul Agarwal, local coordinator and former president of IAP, said, “Training programmes will be conducted in five chosen districts — Palval (Haryana), Kutch (Gujarat), Sitamarhi (Bihar) and Haridwar (Uttrakhand) soon.”
He said, “In first phase we have chosen 10 government hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres in rural areas along with five private hospitals in the city. Doctors who received training will now impart training to other doctors and nursing staff in the chosen government and private hospitals.”