- The establishment of SNCUs has significantly reduced the infant mortality rate in the state
During the inauguration ceremony, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, was also present. Dr. Gupta mentioned that there were previously 24 SNCUs in Haryana. With the inauguration of these new four SNCUs, the total number has now reached 28, which is a matter of great pride.
He noted significant progress in reducing the infant mortality rate, which currently stands at 28 per 1,000 live births, down from 41 per 1,000 live births in 2013 (as per SRS 2013). The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) has also decreased from 26 (SRS 2013) to 19 (SRS 2020). The rapid growth of SNCUs, Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs), and NBCC has contributed to this reduction in neonatal mortality. A large number of sick newborns are admitted to these special care units each year, with 50% of them being underweight. Each SNCU provides free services, including admission, medication, tests, free meals for mothers, and free ambulance services for sick newborns.
The Health Minister stated that these SNCUs offer various facilities to newborns with the help of radiant warmers, phototherapy, micro and ultra care units, multi-parameter monitors, oxygen delivery equipment, etc. Prematurely born newborns, low birth weight (LBW) babies, those suffering from birth asphyxia, infections, neonatal jaundice, congenital anomalies, etc., are admitted to these SNCUs. Dr. Gupta emphasized that the new SNCUs will help reduce the burden on the existing units. After discharge from the SNCUs, regular follow-up visits for admitted newborns are conducted. Not only facility-based services but also community-based services provided by ANMs/ASHAs have helped in lowering the NMR. The state is committed to providing quality healthcare services to all newborns.
On this occasion, the Mission Director, National Health Mission, Haryana, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Director General Health Services Dr. J.S. Poonia, DGHS-II Dr. Manish Bansal, besides other senior officers of the Health Department were also present.