A national neonatal resuscitation programme was conducted at AIIMS-Patna on Sunday, drawing healthcare professionals, government officials, and neonatal experts from across the country. The event commemorated 35 years of neonatal resuscitation training in India.
Record-Breaking Training Initiative
The programme aimed to train more than 18,000 healthcare professionals in neonatal resuscitation techniques within a single day, a feat proposed for inclusion in the Limca Book of Records. This initiative aligns with the India Newborn Action Plan (INAP), which targets reducing neonatal mortality to single digits by 2030.
Collaborative Efforts
The event was organized by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, State Health Society, UNICEF, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), and the Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI).
Key Remarks from Dignitaries
Chief guest Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Member of Parliament, stressed the need to strengthen referral and stabilization systems to ensure equitable healthcare access for mothers and newborns. He highlighted that trained healthcare manpower is crucial for reducing neonatal mortality and urged the adoption of global standards such as Kangaroo Mother Care and WHO-recommended quality newborn care. Dr. Jaiswal added that collaborative training initiatives would significantly improve healthcare outcomes in Bihar.
Monika Nielsen, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Bihar, emphasized that strengthening resuscitation skills among frontline workers is essential for meeting the 2030 mortality targets. She underscored the importance of the "First Golden Minute," noting that skilled intervention during this period greatly improves survival outcomes.
(Brig) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director-cum-Vice-Chancellor of AIIMS-Patna, stated that reducing Bihar's neonatal mortality rate requires sustained public health efforts, continuous training, and strong institutional support, with a focus on regular skill reinforcement.
Dr. Vivek from UNICEF India highlighted that timely intervention during the first few minutes after birth is critical. Dr. Lalan K. Bharti, President of NNF, noted that simple interventions such as neonatal resuscitation, Kangaroo Mother Care, and exclusive breastfeeding can substantially reduce deaths.
Other participants included Dr. Anup Kumar, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS-Patna; Dr. Punam Prasad Bhadani, Dean (Academics) of AIIMS-Patna; Dr. S.S. Reddy, Health Specialist at UNICEF Bihar; and Dr. Saranya Manickaraj of NNF India.
