Dattatraya promises Neo-natal services at ESIC

Hyderabad, March 6 (INN): Stating that surgical intervention of birth defects could minimise mortality in India, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatraya has proposed to start the Neonatal Surgery Services unit at ESIC Super Speciality Hospital associated with proposed ESIC Medical College at Sanathnagar.

Speaking as Chief Guest at World Birth Defects Day function organised by ESIC Medical College here on Sunday, the Unio Minister said that the unit was envisaged to start with international collaboration between ESIC NSS (Neonatal Surgery Service) and ESIC BiDS Birth Defects Surgery units. This would be extended to the rest of the country through the ESIC Hospitals, he said.

The program was Presided by Prof. Srinivas, Dean of ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad. Kapilavai Dilip Kumar, Ex MLC and ESIC National Director, Nethi Rajeshwar, ESIC National Director, R.S. Rao, Regional Director, ESI Corporation, Dr P.K. Jain Medical Director, State Medical Commissioner ESI Corporation and Dr. Balraj Bhandar, Medical Superintendent ESIC Super Speciality Hospital also participated in the programme.

Dattatraya said that about 5% to 10% of the babies are born with birth defects and it is one of the major cause of high infant mortality rate in India. The cost of the treatment of this group of Malormations is high as the birth defects are common and most of the major defects need super speciality treatment. Children who are successfully treated are an increased risk for long-term medical and surgical issues.

The union minister said that the role of prevention of Birth Defects and Education about he Birth Defects is very important. "In this direction, as a Chairperson of the ESI Corporation with around 8 crore ESI beneficiaries in India, I propose to start the Fetal Medicine Unit at ESIC Super Speciality Hospital associated with the proposed ESIC Medical College at Sanathnagar, Hyderabad. This unit is contemplated to start a unique natinal programme - ESIC CARES programme. CARES: Congenital Anomalies Registration and Education Service. Our insured persons would be educated and counseled for the Birth Defects through this initiative. Once well established at Hyderabad, this would be extended to the rest of the country through the ESIC Hospitals.

Dattatraya said tha the ESIC (Employees State Insurance Corporation) has transformed itself into Empathetic Socially Inclusive Corporation.