Special care for newborns at a community hospital: a 5-year experience

A workable model for the special care of newborns has been developed at a community hospital in a predominantly tribal block. Adequate warmth, prompt resuscitation, proper feeding and oxygen administration, when necessary, formed the key interventions. This facility was developed with existing staff and infrastructure and with minimal material inputs. Neonatal survivals were 61.5% in the 1000-1500 g category and 92.5% in the 1520-2000 g category during a five year period. We believe that this model is both replicable and affordable. It has the potential for developing horizontal links with perinatal care and child survival programmes.