KHPT, in collaboration with partners and staff of the Central Hospital, Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, organized the inauguration of a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) ward at the hospital on September 14. The ward is designed to provide mothers with a dedicated space and hands-on-support to provide prolonged KMC to their low birth weight (LBW) babies. It is divided into a space with eight reclining cots for mothers to provide KMC, and a classroom section to teach mothers the technique, including breastfeeding and correct positioning, as well as the benefits of KMC.

Dr Manohar Bansode, Civil Surgeon of the Central Hospital, Ulhasnagar, chaired the inauguration event. Mr Dheeraj Ailani (son of Mr Kumar Ailani, MLA) along with his wife, Ms. Manisha Ailani, and Ms. Mangal, a social worker from Ulhasnagar, were the chief guests of the inauguration programme. Hospital staff, staff nurses, representatives from KHPT, Dasara, and the Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH) were also present.

A 16-member KMC Committee has also been formed to monitor the progress and quality of KMC implementation as well as to identify and address the challenges in KMC implementation. The committee includes a gynaecologist, paediatrician, staff in-charge, matron, Head of ASHA Union, members from local NGOs, Social Medical Superintendent, and representatives from KHPT. The committee will meet monthly to discuss progress and issues related to KMC implementation. Plans were made to initiate KMC in the postnatal care ward also, to provide the same care to stable LBW infants.

Top of Form