Minister flags off special Neonatal service

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CHENNAI: In a bid to reduce infant mortality rate by the end of this financial year, State Health minister, Dr VS Vijay flagged of..

CHENNAI: In a bid to reduce infant mortality rate by the end of this financial year, State Health minister, Dr VS Vijay flagged off the country's first neonatal ambulances in the city on Wednesday. Part of the 108 service, the ambulances are for newborn infants up to 28 days after birth.
The minister said the idea was to reduce death of newborn infants by giving immediate and adequate care. "Infants mostly suffer from respiratory distress arising from having the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck or swallowing amniotic fluid. Lack of oxygen may cause damage to the brain. This could kill them or cause disabilities," he said.The two ambulances are equipped with a transport incubator, ventilator, pulse oxymeter, suction apparatus, transilluminator and advanced lifesaving medication. Two nurses and a doctor, trained at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, are assigned to each ambulance.

One ambulance would be stationed at the Egmore Children's Hospital and the other in Chengalpet. Vimal, a project coordinator, said, "The goal is to have at least one neonatal ambulance in each district." The number to dial for neonatal care will also be 108 and callers will be diverted to a dedicated desk where they will be helped, he said.