GMC Srinagar rebuts news item suggesting increase in the Neonatal
mortality rate at LD Hospital
Neonatal mortality rate at LD Hospital significantly lower than
the national average
SRINAGAR, JANUARY 11: The Government
Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has strongly refuted the news item circulated by
some media outlets suggesting an increase in the mortality rate at Lal Ded
Hospital (LD Hospital) for the year 2024.
In an official statement issued here,
it has been clarified that the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) at Government Lal
Ded Hospital (LD Hospital) for the year 2024 stands at 9.9 per 1000, which is
significantly lower than the national average, though neonatal mortality rate
at LD cannot be used as an index of neonatal mortality in the society.
The GMC authorities further explained
that the neonatal mortality rate has not risen but, in fact, has been effectively
contained through advanced treatment methods. These improvements have ensured
that the rate remains well below the national average, demonstrating the
hospital's success in providing high-quality care.
In 2024, LD Hospital attended to a
total of 221,163 outpatients (OPD), with 37,908 inpatient (IPD) admissions with
29,939 live births. Further 3,107 neonatal IPD admissions were recorded. Out of
these neonatal admissions, 297 deaths occurred, resulting in a neonatal
mortality rate of 9.9 per 1000 which is below than the national neonatal
mortality which at present is 17-21 per 1000 live births.
The millennium development goal is to
reduce neonatal mortality rate to 12 per 1000 live births. This figure reflects
a remarkable achievement in the face of challenges and is attributed to the
advanced healthcare systems in place at the valley’s only tertiary maternity
care hospital. The state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and skilled medical
professionals at the hospital have played a crucial role in maintaining these
positive outcomes.
It is pertinent to mention here that
the patients who need termination of pregnancies earlier in maternal interest
or for different fetal reasons like decreased blood flow to fetus are also
referred to LD hospital which also increases the neonatal admissions and
mortality. But given all the facts and advanced health care system the neonatal
mortality rate is below the national average.
Different measures have been
implemented to reduce the neonatal mortality rate in the Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit (NICU). These include the round-the-clock availability of doctors and
paramedics, the provision of high-end equipment such as ventilators, CPAP
machines, and warmers, as well as the free availability of life-saving
medications like surfactants. Additionally, the hospital ensures that there is
consistent support for oxygen supply, including an oxygen plant that provides
adequate pressure for ventilators and CPAP machines.
LD Hospital, with its 710 beds, is
the primary maternity and neonatal care center for the region, serving not only
the valley but also districts such as Ramban, Doda, Rajouri and Kishtwar, as
well as the Union Territory of Ladakh. The hospital’s comprehensive approach to
healthcare has made it a vital resource for improving neonatal health in the
region.