Archive · 29 Jul 2025
Safdarjung Hospital's Newborn Unit Boosts Infant Survival Rates
Imagine a special hospital unit at Safdarjung Hospital, called the MNCU, made just for sick babies born outside the hospital.
Before this unit, many babies didn't survive.
But, after the MNCU opened, more babies are getting better!
The unit has special equipment, like ventilators, to help them breathe and provides loving care.
Mothers can also help by providing skin-to-skin contact.
This special care helps babies grow stronger and healthier.
The government is now encouraging other hospitals to create similar units to help save more babies.
Safdarjung Hospital's Mother Newborn Care Unit (MNCU) has reduced mortality rates for outborn infants.
A study showed mortality decreased from 28.3% to 18.7% after the MNCU's implementation.
The 40-bed Level III MNCU provides comprehensive care, including ventilation, for sick newborns.
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is provided to newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams.
Exclusive breast milk feeding increased from 35% to 87% after the MNCU's establishment.
- Who
- The MNCU cares for sick newborns referred from across Northern India.
- What
- A Mother Newborn Care Unit (MNCU) at Safdarjung Hospital is improving survival rates for sick newborns.
- When
- The MNCU was set up last year and operationalized in February 2024.
- Where
- Safdarjung Hospital in Northern India.
- Why
- To provide specialized care and reduce mortality rates in sick infants, especially those born outside the hospital.
- Unit Name
- Mother Newborn Care Unit (MNCU)
- Hospital
- Safdarjung Hospital
- Location
- Northern India
- Mortality Rate Before MNCU
- 28.3%
- Mortality Rate After MNCU
- 18.7%
- MNCU Level
- Level III
- KMC Eligibility
- Newborns < 2,500 grams
- Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding Increase
- 35% to 87%