New project set to treat birth defects in newborns

As part of the project, ‘Thalirgal’, the paediatricians at the Institute of Child Health, Egmore, and other government hospitals would identify children with congenital abnormalities. The project would involve a three-way partnership between the State government, Kauvery Hospital and Rotary Club of Madras North to provide surgical treatment with coverage under Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.

“The children with congenital abnormalities will be evaluated if they require surgery and perform the pre-operation investigations. After the necessary investigations are completed, the baby will be taken to Kauvery Hospital for the surgery and shifted back to the government hospital for post-operative care,” said former director of ICH, Dr Arasar Seeralar.

Dr Arasar, who took initiative for the project on behalf of the Health Department, said that the children with neural tube defects (anomalies of the spinal cord and brain) were a neglected group as the neuro surgeons were reluctant to handle because of the smallness of the baby and neurological disability that one may encounter later in life. The project will also help to educate and train sonologists to detect birth defects during pregnancy at an earlier stage and create awareness among pregnant mothers on how one can prevent congenital birth defects.

“The project is important, as about two to three babies were born per month in Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Egmore (IOG) with such disorders. Several babies delivered outside IOG, in the Chennai Corporation health facility, and babies born in other districts of the State have also benefited,” added Dr Arasar.