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Newborn care unit lies defunct at Paonta Sahib Civil Hospital

The Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Paonta Sahib Civil Hospital in Sirmaur district, once a beacon of hope for critically ill newborns, now stands desolate. State-of-the-art machines, including radiant warmers and phototherapy units worth over Rs 1 crore,...
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Modern equipment awaits start at the Paonta Sahib Civil Hospital.
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The Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Paonta Sahib Civil Hospital in Sirmaur district, once a beacon of hope for critically ill newborns, now stands desolate. State-of-the-art machines, including radiant warmers and phototherapy units worth over Rs 1 crore, lie unused since March 2024. This unit, established in 2015 as the district’s first facility dedicated to newborn and premature infant care, was pivotal in saving countless lives.

The SNCU was equipped to provide free treatment to newborns afflicted by conditions like jaundice and infections immediately after birth. For many families, this service was a lifeline, as private hospitals charge Rs 5,000-6,000 per day for similar care. Between 2015 and 2024, the unit maintained an occupancy rate of 60-70% across its eight beds, and hundreds of infants benefitted from its services. A trained paediatrician and a specialised nursing team worked tirelessly to ensure optimal care.

The unit became non-functional in March 2024 after the paediatrician heading the unit, was promoted and transferred to the Medical College in Nahan. Since then, the paediatrician’s post at Paonta Sahib has remained vacant, leaving the facility unable to cater to the needs of the local population.

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The hospital previously handled over 100 paediatric outpatient cases daily and its children’s ward was consistently occupied by critically ill infants and young patients. Parents now face immense challenges, including travelling long distances or bearing the steep costs of private care.

The hospital management revealed that some cases treated here were referred back from tertiary care centres like PGI Chandigarh, underscoring the unit’s importance. Yet, despite its proven efficacy, the SNCU has been reduced to collecting dust.

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Dr Sudhi Gupta, the in-charge of the Paonta Sahib Civil Hospital, acknowledged the pressing issue. “The unit is non-functional due to the vacant paediatrician’s post. We regularly communicate with the Health Department regarding this issue and are hopeful that the position will be filled soon,” he said.

The community has expressed frustration over the lack of paediatric services, a facility once praised for saving lives and providing affordable care. Residents urge the health department to prioritise filling the pediatrician’s post and reviving the SNCU.

The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by public healthcare in rural and semi-urban areas, where specialized facilities often suffer due to administrative delays or resource shortages.

As one of Sirmaur district’s most significant healthcare advancements, the SNCU’s revival is essential to address the needs of vulnerable newborns. Timely intervention by the health department can restore this vital service, bringing relief to countless families in the region.

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