Srinagar, Jan 11: The Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has strongly refuted the news item circulated by some media outlets suggesting an increase in the mortality rate at Lal Ded Hospital (LD Hospital) for the year 2024.

In an official statement issued here, it has been clarified that the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) at Government Lal Ded Hospital (LD Hospital) for the year 2024 stands at 9.9 per 1000, which is significantly lower than the national average, though neonatal mortality rate at LD cannot be used as an index of neonatal mortality in the society.

The GMC authorities further explained that the neonatal mortality rate has not risen but, in fact, has been effectively contained through advanced treatment methods. These improvements have ensured that the rate remains well below the national average, demonstrating the hospital's success in providing high-quality care.

In 2024, LD Hospital attended to a total of 221,163 outpatients (OPD), with 37,908 inpatient (IPD) admissions with 29,939 live births. Further 3,107 neonatal IPD admissions were recorded. Out of these neonatal admissions, 297 deaths occurred, resulting in a neonatal mortality rate of 9.9 per 1000 which is below than the national neonatal mortality which at present is 17-21 per 1000 live births.

The millennium development goal is to reduce neonatal mortality rate to 12 per 1000 live births. This figure reflects a remarkable achievement in the face of challenges and is attributed to the advanced healthcare systems in place at the valley’s only tertiary maternity care hospital. The state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and skilled medical professionals at the hospital have played a crucial role in maintaining these positive outcomes.

It is pertinent to mention here that the patients who need termination of pregnancies earlier in maternal interest or for different fetal reasons like decreased blood flow to fetus are also referred to LD hospital which also increases the neonatal admissions and mortality. But given all the facts and advanced health care system the neonatal mortality rate is below the national average.

Different measures have been implemented to reduce the neonatal mortality rate in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). These include the round-the-clock availability of doctors and paramedics, the provision of high-end equipment such as ventilators, CPAP machines, and warmers, as well as the free availability of life-saving medications like surfactants. Additionally, the hospital ensures that there is consistent support for oxygen supply, including an oxygen plant that provides adequate pressure for ventilators and CPAP machines.

LD Hospital, with its 710 beds, is the primary maternity and neonatal care center for the region, serving not only the valley but also districts such as Ramban, Doda, Rajouri and Kishtwar, as well as the Union Territory of Ladakh. The hospital’s comprehensive approach to healthcare has made it a vital resource for improving neonatal health in the regio