New Delhi: World Prematurity Day is here as a reminder to upgrade country’s health-care facilities for premature babies. Only 30% of premature babies born in public hospitals survive after proper health care while 80% survive in private hospitals. This is one of the alarming facts about preterm babies in the action report by Indian Foundation of Premature Babies (IFPB).
The report, delivered too soon, has studied the issue of preterm births in India and sought contribution from over 200 neonatologists across India.A cumulative study of four hospitals from private and public sectors was conducted over five years to understand the rate of premature births and eventual survival chances of babies.
Babies weighing less than 1.5kg during birth and having a gestation period of less than 28 weeks suffer from life-threatening complications of the lungs, brain and heart. “These kids experience breathlessness due to stunted lung growth, develop congenital heart issues and bleeding in the brain,” said Dr Nandkishore Kabra, member of IFPB.
The report points out that there is extreme disparity in the availability of health-care infrastructure, especially between rural and urban areas. “Besides, NICU facilities in public set-ups do not match the global standards. In Bangalore, there are 10 NICU centers, out of which, only one is in a public hospital. It’s the same condition in other cities in India. This is deplorable,” said Dr Kabra. The action report reiterates the fact that India retains the dubious distinction of topping the list of nations with most premature births around the world. Of the worldwide 1.5 crore babies born before 37 weeks of normal pregnancy period, 23.6% – the highest number for a single country – hail from India. “In India, 3.6 lakh babies are born prematurely, of which, as high as 85% die due to birth-related complications within a few days of their birth,” he said.
Members of IFPB will make recommendations to the health ministry on stepping up interventions to prevent premature births in India. “The most important intervention is birth spacing and treatment of maternal infections. Thus, it’s important for the government to create the highest level of awareness on this issue,” said Dr Bhoopendra Awasthi, managing director, Surya Child Care Hospital in Santa Cruz.
Bureau Report
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