Vijayawada Government General Hospital (GGH) is set to revolutionize newborn healthcare with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU). These cutting-edge facilities, located on the second floor of the Maternal and Infant Department building, aim to address the growing demand for specialized care for newborns less than 28 days old. The Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare, Vidadala Rajini, will soon inaugurate the new units, marking a significant milestone in the healthcare sector.
To meet the increasing needs of patients seeking treatment, the newly established units consist of 40 beds, divided equally between the NICU and SNCU. The expansion comes in response to the overwhelming demand that has rendered the existing 40-bed units insufficient. The State government, prioritizing healthcare, initiated the establishment of the NICU and SNCU, equipped with cutting-edge machinery such as central oxygen system pipelines for ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, infant warmers, digital weighing machines, and phototherapy machines.
In addition, a state-of-the-art laminar airflow system has been installed to maintain a sterile environment and prevent infections in these delicate patients. It is important to note that while the NICU is designed for newborns, the SNCU serves as a special care unit for premature babies.
The Superintendent of GGH, Dr. D Venkatesh, highlighted the State government’s commitment to prioritizing the health sector. He emphasized the vital role played by the NICU and SNCU in providing immediate medical services and identifying defects in newborns who require secondary and tertiary care.
The newly established units have been thoughtfully designed to match the standards of corporate hospitals while providing free-of-cost treatment that would otherwise cost lakhs in private facilities. Dr. D Venkatesh stated that the new units would not only serve the residents of Vijayawada but also people from surrounding areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The inauguration of these units will take place in the next 10 to 15 days, after the completion of all necessary installations.
Dr. Paruchuri Anil Kumar, a Professor in the Pediatric department, praised the comprehensive approach of the new units in treating babies with low weight, premature infants, those with underdeveloped lungs, amniotic fluid-related issues, and congenital jaundice. This modern facility signifies the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare comparable to private hospitals for the most vulnerable members of society. The inauguration of these units marks the beginning of a new era in ensuring a healthy future for newborns.
In conclusion, Vijayawada GGH’s new NICU and SNCU units are set to transform newborn care in the region, catering to the increasing demand and providing advanced medical services to newborns. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, these units aim to offer top-notch care at no cost to patients, setting a new standard in healthcare provision for the most vulnerable in society.
