Organisation of neonatal care in Indian armed forces

Abstract

Neonatal health care system of every society is its vital indicator of health governance. In the Armed Forces of India, Neonatology is a young albeit vital science. Over the last two decades, tremendous progress has taken place in formulating a sound maternal and child health care system. The Armed Forces Medical Services has an elaborate network of health care facilities across the country. Depending on the delivery rate, severity and nature of illnesses level I, II and tertiary care NICUs are provided in various service hospitals. At centers with low delivery rates in utero transfers of high risk cases is advocated. To handle unforeseen emergencies at least one complete neonatal intensive care bed is provided to every service hospital with labor beds. A periodically updated protocol manual addressing neonatal illnesses has been provided to all centers to ensure standard, evidence based care. An elaborate community outreach programme exists keeping in mind the varying social, cultural and religious milieu. Regular training programmes at all echelons are conducted to ensure a high quality of care. A common perinatal database coordinated with the high risk neonatal follow up programme exists at all service NICUs. An integrated, holistic approach is followed to ensure quality survival of every newborn of the Armed Forces family.