Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 18 November 2024
National Newborn Week, observed from November 15 to 21, 2024, is being marked across all health facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in line with nationwide celebrations. A state-level program was recently organised by the Directorate of Health Services in collaboration with the UT Health Mission at PHC Garacharma, centered on the theme “Optimising Antimicrobial Use to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Newborns.”
The event witnessed participation from doctors, nursing officers, community health officers (CHOs), auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). The primary focus of the program was to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance, promote the judicious use of antibiotics, and strengthen infection control practices in neonatal care units at hospitals and within the community.
Dr. Avijit Roy, Joint Secretary of RCH-II, highlighted the critical importance of newborn care during the event. Dr. Izra Begum, Medical Officer In-Charge at PHC Garacharma, also emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to safeguard newborn health.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. M. Joy, Chief Medical Officer at PHC Garacharma, discussed the prudent use of antibiotics in neonates, underscoring its role in preventing resistance and protecting infants from potential side effects. Dr. Santanu Ghosal, Homeopathic Medical Officer, provided an in-depth presentation on managing newborn infections.
The week-long observance underscores a collective commitment to improving neonatal care and addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in the region.