Pune: The Maharashtra government will introduce 10 modified ambulances in five tribal talukas across the state where the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is high. These ambulances will be equipped with battery operated warmers, pulse oximeter, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and kangaroo bags for specialised neo-natal care.
The government has identified Aheri taluka from Gadchiroli district, Dharani and Chikhaldhara in Amravati district, Peth in Nashik district and Dhadgaon in Nandurbar district. The service of ‘108 emergency ambulance’ is expected to be upgraded.
Speaking about this initiative, Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Commissioner, Directorate of Health Services (DHS) said these services are just a start.
“Initially we have 10 ambulances and we shall increase the number as the project goes ahead. We are hopeful that this step will help reduce the number of infant deaths in these isolated tribal belts and provide better healthcare to all,” said Kumar.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Archana Patil, Additional Director at the State Family Welfare Bureau said these ambulances will be helpful for newborns. She said, “Due to less connectivity in these tribal belts, the ambulance often takes a lot of time to reach a proper medical facility.
“These ambulances will help the baby during the golden hour for instant care before getting to the medical facility which will save many lives. Also, if the baby is transferred from one facility to another, CPAP and warmer can be used for these babies during transfer as well,” said Patil.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Vinita Tatke, Core Group Member, Melghat Vision of Melghat Mitra said the ambulances will be useful for the area. “There are 150 villages in each talukas so subsequently the government will need more such ambulances. In a population of three lakh, around 20 deliveries happen every year. Also, for a population of three lakh, four ambulances are needed. If these numbers are kept in mind then there will be more need for such ambulances. But definitely this initiative will help reduce the number of infant deaths in the area,” said Tatke.
Melghat is most affected
† According to the Global Journal of Health Science, 2014, Melghat comprises two blocks, Dharni and Chikhaldara, situated in Amravati district and is home to the tiger reserve of Maharashtra. It is a hilly area spread across 320 villages comprising mainly of Korku tribe.
† This region has the highest numbers of malnutrition and infant mortality cases. By the government’s own admission, under 5 mortality rate is 70 per 1,000 live births.
