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Haryana Boosts Newborn Care with 19 New Ventilators
5 Nov
Summary
- Haryana to add 19 neonatal ventilators to existing 54.
- SNCUs are being upgraded into integrated mother newborn care units.
- New model promotes 'zero separation' and Kangaroo Mother Care.
Haryana is set to bolster its neonatal care infrastructure by acquiring 19 additional neonatal ventilators. This expansion will increase the state's total to 73 ventilators, distributed across 29 special newborn care units (SNCUs). The initiative, costing approximately Rs 7 crore, aims to enhance emergency preparedness for critically ill newborns.
The state is also implementing a comprehensive initiative to transform its SNCUs into integrated mother newborn care units (MNCUs). This model encourages mothers to stay with their hospitalized infants whenever medically appropriate, fostering bonding and supporting breastfeeding. It aligns with the World Health Organization's 'zero separation' principle.
The MNCU model emphasizes Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a practice involving skin-to-skin contact beneficial for premature and low-birth-weight babies. Mothers will receive guidance on newborn care, nutrition, and recognizing warning signs. This statewide expansion builds upon successful pilot programs in Ambala City and Kurukshetra.
All SNCUs are slated for upgrade into MNCUs by November 1, 2026. This integration will enhance coordination among healthcare workers, standardize procedures, and make newborn healthcare more responsive to mother and baby needs, while ensuring appropriate medical supervision and infection prevention measures.
