Neonatal transport in India: From public health perspective

Abstract

Transport of sick newborns is undergoing massive changes in India. Over past few years, specialized transport has been activated in most of the states although out of pocket expenditure and absence of health personnel in the ambulance are still posing hurdles. With gradual expansion of all-weather roads to the furthest corner of the country and introduction of free transport for all neonates, it brings opportunities for us to reach all the sick newborns to the nearest equipped hospital at the earliest. Telecommunication and presence of health personnel during transport and training on life support are other initiatives boosting health care of the neonates during transport. Thus, improved transport could be a solution for reduction of stagnant neonatal mortality in India.