Patna: A national neonatal resuscitation program was organized at AIIMS-Patna on Sunday, in which healthcare professionals, govt officials and neonatal experts from across the country took part. The program marked 35 years of neonatal resuscitation training in the country.The programme, aimed to train more than 18,000 healthcare professionals in neonatal resuscitation techniques in a single day, has been proposed for inclusion in the Limca Book of Records. The initiative was aligned with the India Newborn Action Plan (INAP), which aims to reduce neonatal mortality to single digits by 2030.The program was organized by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) in collaboration with ministry of health and family welfare, State Health Society, UNICEF, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (Fogsi) and Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI).Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Dr Sanjay Jaiswal, Member of Parliament, emphasized the need of strengthening referral and stabilization systems to ensure equitable healthcare access for mothers and newborns. He said trained healthcare manpower is the primary factor in reducing neonatal mortality and urged adoption of global standards such as Kangaroo Mother Care and WHO-recommended quality newborn care.Dr Jaiswal added collaborative training initiatives would be instrumental in improving healthcare outcomes in Bihar.Monika Nielsen, chief of field office for UNICEF Bihar, said strengthening resuscitation skills among frontline workers is essential for meeting the 2030 mortality targets. She highlighted the importance of the “First Golden Minute”, noting that skilled intervention during this time significantly improves survival outcomes. (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal, executive director-cum-vice-chancellor of AIIMS-Patna, added that reducing Bihar’s neonatal mortality rate requires sustained public health efforts, continuous training and strong institutional support, with a focus on regular skill reinforcement.Dr Vivek from UNICEF India said timely intervention during the first few minutes after birth is critical. Dr Lalan K Bharti, president of the NNF, said that simple interventions, including neonatal resuscitation, Kangaroo Mother Care and exclusive breastfeeding, can substantially reduce deaths.Dr Anup Kumar, medical superintendent of AIIMS-Patna; Dr Punam Prasad Bhadani, dean (academics) of AIIMS-Patna; Dr SS Reddy, health specialist at UNICEF Bihar, and Dr Saranya Manickaraj of NNF India also participated in the programme.
