LD hospital brings neonatal mortality rate to single digit

Srinagar, Aug 20: In a significant development, Kashmir’s largest maternity hospital Lal Ded has brought down Neonatal Mortality Rate figure to single digit while the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is also lower than national average, officials said.
Medical Superintendent LD hospital, Dr Muzaffar Jan said the MMR is decreasing and is less than the national average. “NMR is also less than the national average, in 2022 NMR was 18 and in 2023 it has come down to 7 percent,” he said.
As per figures maintained by the maternity hospital, the total live birth from July 2022 to June 2023 was 20,645 and the total neonate deaths up to 28 days of life from July 2022 to June 2023 were 151.
“The NMR for one year from July 2022 to June 2023 was 7.31 percent (151/20645). The National NMR at present is 18.1 percent in 2022,” he said.
Dr Jan said that it has been possible with the leadership and unwavering commitment of Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education Department Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah to advancing public healthcare truly inspiring.
To bring down NMR in NICU, measures were taken including 24/7 availability of doctors and other staff as well as Post Graduates from Children Hospital who monitor sick neonates who are on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAPs) or ventilators.
“Free availability of life saving drugs including surfactants and other necessary drugs and round the clock ventilators as well as CPAPs which are life-saving equipment for newborns,” he said.
The maternity hospital has also back up support of oxygen plants working with required pressure support for ventilators as well as CPAPS.
“It has proper aseptic conditions in NICU wards including disposable for staff and attendants. There is judicious use of various schemes to benefit patients,” the MS said.
The overburdened hospital continues to experience a huge influx of patients, with around 800 women being treated daily in its OPD and casualty ward.
An official at the hospital said on an average 25-30 Full Term Normal Deliveries (FTNDs) are reported daily. He said the hospital performs 35-40 Lower Segment Caesarean Sections (LSCS) and 15-20 other surgeries or procedures each day.
The 710-bedded facility is the main maternity and neonatal care centre for the valley including districts of Banihal, Ramban and Kishtwar.
Dr Jan said the hospital is equipped with a fully automated laboratory and blood bank, operating 24/7, where approximately 4,000-4,500 tests and investigations are conducted each day.
He said nearly 280-300 ultrasound scans are performed daily. The hospital also boasts a well-established lab, a fetal medicine department, and a tele-consultation hub.
The hospital provides tertiary care for all complicated, high-risk and poorly managed antenatal cases from the whole of Kashmir division as well as parts of Jammu division which includes patients from Banihal, Rajouri and even Doda area.
“About 1900-2200 newborns are delivered per month which includes both normal as well as born by C-section. About 250 to 300 sick newborns are admitted in NICU per month,” the MS said.
Most of the newborns admitted are premature, low birth weight requiring life care support just at the time of birth which includes invasive ventilator support to CPAP support.
Also the NICU ward in LD Hospital encourages and promotes breast milk consumption starting right from birth of the newborn. No breast milk substitute is encouraged or promoted in the ward.