Indore- The neonatal mortality rate in Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a pressing concern, with the state ranking second in the country in terms of newborn deaths. Despite dropping from the first position, nearly 35 out of every 1,000 infants in the state fail to survive beyond their first month of life. While some improvement has been observed in districts like Alirajpur, the situation remains critical in areas such as Khargone, Barwani, Anuppur, and Shivpuri.

At the heart of these alarming figures lie key causes: infections, preterm births, low birth weight, and birth asphyxia, a condition where newborns are unable to breathe at birth. Neonatologists and healthcare experts point out that infections are often contracted during delivery rather than passed down from the mother, challenging common perceptions. The solution, according to specialists, lies in advanced neonatal care and providing healthcare workers with the necessary training in modern medical technologies.

NEOCON: Confronting the Crisis

This neonatal mortality crisis was the focal point of discussions at the Neonatology Conference (NEOCON), a three-day event held in Indore where neonatologists and medical experts gathered to address the underlying issues. One key contributor to neonatal deaths, as highlighted by the experts, is birth asphyxia, where a newborn’s brain is deprived of oxygen during delivery, leading to mental retardation, physical disabilities, and developmental delays.

Dr. Naveen Jain from Trivandrum explained that recent technological advancements have revolutionized the care of newborn and preterm infants. Modern NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) now simulate an environment akin to a mother's womb, using advanced incubators that replicate the sounds of the mother’s heartbeat and blood flow. This creates a comforting and familiar atmosphere for the infant, enhancing their ability to sleep.

As Dr. Jain emphasized, sleep plays a pivotal role in the rapid development of a newborn’s brain. NICUs are now incorporating actigraphy tests, which measure the quality of sleep and assess how effective the infant's treatment is. Ensuring proper sleep, he noted, significantly accelerates brain development, contributing to the overall recovery of the infant.

Contrary to popular belief, kangaroo care—where a newborn is placed on a parent’s chest—is not limited to mothers alone. Fathers and even grandparents can engage in this practice, which has been proven to boost recovery rates for premature babies. Nursing staff are now being trained specifically in this approach, expanding the circle of care around the newborn.

Dr. Sushma Nangia, President of the National Neonatology Forum, highlighted the indispensable role of mothers in neonatal care. According to her, 50% of the recovery process relies on doctors and nursing staff, but the other half depends on the mother’s involvement. Recognizing this, both private and government-run NICUs now allow mothers to stay with their infants, enabling them to actively participate in the recovery process.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Neonatology Forum has recently developed new guidelines for the care of sick and preterm infants. These guidelines form the basis of a comprehensive training module, offering hands-on training to healthcare workers. By working on real-life case scenarios, medical personnel gain invaluable experience that equips them to handle complex situations more effectively.

As these new practices and technologies make their way into neonatal care across Madhya Pradesh, experts hope that they will pave the way for a significant reduction in newborn deaths, bringing hope to families and communities struggling with this heartbreaking issue.