“Infants should get best care”: Minister Khadar

Mangalore, 11^th October : “New born children should get best care and the same can reach every corner of the state with public private partnership,” said U. T. Khadar, the state minister for health and family welfare.

He was addressing a gathering of doctors after inaugurating ‘KARNEOCON 2014’, the 17^th Karnataka State Neonatology Conference at Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Centre in the city this morning. Observing that though the state fares well on infant mortality statistics in comparison with less developed states, we should keep our benchmark high and compete with states which have achieved better progress in the field of neonatal care, he said.

Over 250 pediatricians are attending this conference which is being organized by the state chapter of National Neonatology Forum (NNF) on 11^th and 12^th October. Pre conference workshops in various subjects were also held on 10^th October at five locations in the city: Kasturba Medical College, K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Yenepoya Medical College, Father Muller Medical College and Indiana Hospital & Heart Institute. The conference includes refresher courses for nurses too.

Dr. Ramesh, Director of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka expressed his appreciation of the various professional bodies like National Neonatology Forum and Indian Academy of Pediatrics for extending their best co-operation to the state government’s initiatives.

Dr. V. Surendra Shetty, Pro Vice Chancellor, Manipal University stressed on the need for doctors to keep themselves updated on the latest expertise in the information age.

Dr. P. P. Maiya and Dr. Swarna Rekha Bhat, two stalwarts in the field of neonatal care were honoured and invited to launch the forum’s new website.

In his presidential address, conference chairman and state NNF President Dr. B. Shantharam Baliga urged the professional community of neonatologists and pediatricians to devote some time every week or month to enhance the skills of neonatal health care providers in the region as a way of fulfilling their Professional Social Responsibility.

The organizing secretary of the conference, Dr. (Major) Rajesh S. M. welcomed the gathering and Dr. Archana Bilagi, NNF Sate Secretary presented the forum’s annual report.

Dr. Kiran Baliga, Joint Organizing Secretary of the conference proposed the vote of thanks.