Early neonatal death a concern in Nuapada, Kandhamal

BHUBANESWAR: “Out of the total neonatal deaths, around 85 per cent of neonatal in Nuapada and 50 per cent in Kandhamal district usually die in the first week of birth,” said a study conducted by Save the Children. 

Unveiling the report here on Friday, Save the Children State program manager Sasanka Kumar Padhi stated that out of 28 neonatal deaths during 2012 in Boden block of Nuapada district more than 50 per cent of births occurred at Community Health Centres (CHCs). Similarly in Phiringia block of Kandhamal district, out of 12 neonatal deaths during 2012, five babies were delivered in CHCs, but all of them died at home later. 

Neonatal die within a week due to inability of the public health facility to stabilise the neonates, discharge before 48 hours due to non availability of doctor and baby subjected to ‘jhaad-phoonk’ at home, he added.       

“Government schemes and programmes should be more children centric. School Management Committees should ensure active participation of children. Perspective of children should reflect in every matter related to children,” said Padhi.

The study recommended that ANMs and ASHAs must be trained into resuscitation and stabilisation procedures, so that they can save lives of newborns at least up to the time they reach well-equipped health facility. There is an urgent need to educate health care providers as well as the families about various aspects of post natal care. Hospital staff must be asked to ensure recommended 48-hour post natal stay and educate families about care that should be offered to mother and newborn for a period of 28 days, it added.

Among others, State Family Welfare department Director Dr Nirmala Kumari Dei, AMS Director Dr A K Dwivedi, Save the Children’s team members including Prasann Thatte, Pradeep Kr Mishra and Santanu Chakraborty shared their views in the report unveiling ceremony.