Chandigarh, March 9 — PGIMER recorded 5,226 births in 2023, with 214 newborn deaths, of which 60 (28%) resulted from infections, data from the hospital’s newborn unit revealed during a two-day workshop on neonatal sepsis at the Advanced Paediatric Centre on Saturday.
Dr. Vanketesh from PGIMER shared that 1,948 of the total births were premature, and 179 of the 214 newborns who died were preterm, accounting for 83% of total fatalities. Among the 60 infection-related deaths, 50 (83%) involved premature babies.
Premature newborns face a higher risk of infections due to underdeveloped immune systems, thinner skin and mucous membranes, and the need for medical procedures like blood sampling and cannula insertions, explained Dr. Shiv Sajan Saini.
Neonatologists at the workshop raised concerns over antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which account for 50-80% of newborn sepsis cases in Indian hospitals. Overuse of antibiotics has also led to a rise in fungal infections.
Dr. Ramesh Agarwal from AIIMS, New Delhi, noted that India sees around six lakh newborn deaths annually, with prematurity, asphyxia (when a baby does not cry at birth), and infections as leading causes. “Good maternal nutrition, a three-year gap between pregnancies, breastfeeding, and improved neonatal care are crucial in reducing infant mortality,” he said.
Breastfeeding plays a key role in boosting immunity and reducing infections, said Dr. Jeeva Sankar from AIIMS. “Mother’s milk should be given exclusively for the first six months as it strengthens immunity and supports brain development,” he added.
The workshop brought together around 100 paediatricians and newborn specialists to discuss best practices in neonatal care and infection prevention.