Tamil Nadu has introduced a “Baby Care Kit” scheme to strengthen care for low birth weight (LBW) babies discharged from all 92 Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) in the State, a move aimed at further reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). The monthly kits comprise iron, multivitamin and Vitamin D3 drops.
According to an official release, every year, about 1.2 lakh sick newborns are treated and discharged from the 92 SNCUs in the State.
Nearly 4.5 lakh deliveries take place in government institutions every year. About 52,000 babies are LBW babies (less than 2.5 kg), a highly vulnerable group requiring sustained follow-up and care.
These babies, especially those born pre-term or sick at birth, face higher risks of mortality, infections, poor weight gain, micronutrient deficiencies, and developmental delays.
While initial follow-up visits after discharge from these units are encouraging, attendance declines in later months due to parental unawareness, access barriers, and gaps in early identification of illness, the release said.
