Berhampur: Govt-run MKCG Medical College and Hospital here on Sunday opened a special mother, newborn care unit, the first-of-its-kind in Odisha.The 10-bed unit with modern equipment was opened by Berhampur MLA K Anil Kumar, in the presence of dean-cum-superintendent of the medical college, Suchitra Dash, and several senior doctors.The special unit, set up under National Health Mission, aims to provide integrated care to mothers and newborns to ensure “no separation” of them during hospital care.In MNCU, the mother’s bed has been placed next to the baby’s incubator. This will help maintain the baby’s body temperature, reduce the risk of infection, improve nutrition and promote faster weight gain, said Dash. On an average, 30 deliveries take place daily in the medical college, the referral hospital of southern Odisha. The unit will be managed by both gynaecology and paediatrics departments. Trained nurses will be engaged, Dash said, adding mothers will be taught newborn care.tnn“The NHM has sanctioned MNCU for SCB-Cuttack and PRMMCH-Mayurbhanj also,” she said.The Berhampur MLA said the initiative would play a crucial role in reducing infant mortality and promoting breastfeeding, strengthening the emotional bond between the mother and child after delivery. The facility is expected to benefit residents of rural and remote areas, he added.He also inaugurated additional beds of the high dependence unit of the gynaecology department, increasing the total number to eight.
