High neonatal mortalities and morbidities have changed people’s perceptions: Dr. S Manazir Ali

Dr. S Manazir Ali, President, IAP and NNF (UP Chapter), JNMC, Aligarh, talks to ETHealthworld on the declining ratios of newborn deaths and the areas where improvements are still needed.

1. How has the newborn morbidity and mortality improved over the years?

About 20 years back the morbidity and mortality of the patients was much more high especially for children under 5 years. This was mainly because of the respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea and mal nutrition. The diarrhoea and acute respiratory tract infection has been reduced but the mal nutrition is still there however there is a drastic change that has occurred.

The neonatal care in UP was high and because of the many policies that have been made and it is seen that the morbidity and mortality is reducing. There has been drastic change in the last 10 years but now only dismal types of changes take place and this may be because of the fact that people did not consult newborn care earlier. The government has initiated a lot of policies to improve on the mortality scenario.



2. What are the existing challenges in reducing the neonatal deaths ?

The existing challenge is that the programmes are there but the public receptivity is less as compared to other parts of India. The operation is done but the problem is in its implementation. It could be administrative problem, political will or maybe at the part of the deficiency of the medical staff involved.


3. What are the improvements that have taken place?

The education has improved because previously Medical Council of India never considered the need for a neonatal bed in the medical colleges. Since the mortalities and morbidities are high the perceptions have changed. MCI is also considering that neonatal beds to be a part of the hospital.

We have been seeing these improvements because communication skills have improved, technical expertise have been there, equipment facilities have improved and the communication skills have also improved.


4. What are the ways that will help in reducing the neonatal deaths?

The first hour is very important because before the delivery all the transaction is looked after by the mother but after the delivery the changes occur and the first thing that occurs is the first cry. It is seen that out of 100, around 90 babies are usually normal babies and only 10 babies require some support. 99% babies will survive only if they know the right approach. Also there are not enough skilled people.

Now the government is trying that primary health centres, Anganwadi and Asha know how to do the Bag-Valve-Mass ventilation and for this a lot of trainings are being done. The NGO’s should be a partner for this training and be like the WHO, UNICEF as well as Save the Children.