Tamil Nadu   

New scheme for infants

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The State Government will introduce ‘infant lifesaving treatment scheme' to reduce infant mortality rate with the help of intensive medical care facilities available with private paediatric hospitals.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi will launch the scheme on Saturday.

“The objective of the scheme is to reduced infant mortality rate (death of infants due to various reasons within the first one year of birth) to 16 out of 1,000 live births from the present mortality rate of 35 out of 1,000 in the State,” Deputy Director of Health Services (Sivakasi and Virudhunagar), S. Balasubramanian said.

The infant mortality rate at the national level was 59 out of 1,000 live births and it was 27 out of 1,000 live births in Virudhunagar district, he added. The scheme would be implemented with the help of private paediatric hospitals on the lines of Dr. Kalaignar insurance scheme for lifesaving treatment.

“Empanelment of private paediatric hospitals will be done soon,” he said. The infant would be treated for pneumonia, acute renal failure, dengue, jaundice, birth asphyxia, Japanese Encephalitis, acute pancreatitis, poison and bleeding disorders among other serious disorders. “The infants who develop any serious health problem and requiring immediate intensive medical care would be admitted to the empanelled hospitals. Medical expenses up to Rs. One lakh would be paid to the hospital by the Government,” Dr. Balasubramanian said.

Even those children admitted to the primary health centres and other Government hospitals would be rushed to the empanelled hospitals for intensive treatment.

“The Rs. One lakh for paediatric medical treatment would be over and above the medical assistance to be given under the Dr. Kalaignar insurance scheme for lifesaving treatment,” he added.

On the eligibility of hospitals, Mr. Balasubramanian said that they should have three paediatricians and one of them should be available round the clock.

The hospital should be at least six-bedded. They should have two artificial ventilators and paediatric intensive care unit.

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