Dibrugarh (Assam), 25 September (HS): A high-level conference on maternal and neonatal deaths and infection prevention and control was held in Dibrugarh on Friday, with emphasis on further reducing maternal and infant mortality and strengthening infection control mechanisms across healthcare institutions in Assam.

The conference, organised at the conference hall of Manohari Tea Resort, was attended by Assam Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education and Research Minister Ashok Singhal, senior health officials, representatives of medical colleges, doctors, district health administrators and other stakeholders.

The deliberations focused on improving the quality of maternal and child healthcare, ensuring timely medical intervention and establishing a coordinated and effective system for infection prevention and control.

Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and Secretary Dr P Ashok Babu, Director of Medical Education Dr Manoj Kumar Choudhury, Executive Director of National Health Mission, Assam, Dr Abhijit Sharma, and Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital Superintendent Dr Sanjeev Kakati were among those present. Superintendents and heads of departments of various medical colleges and Joint Directors of Health Services from different districts also attended the conference.

Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi delivered the welcome address, following which Director of Medical Education Dr Manoj Kumar Choudhury outlined the objectives and significance of the conference. He stressed coordination among healthcare institutions, timely treatment and quality healthcare to safeguard maternal and child health.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on infection control was formally launched during the conference, along with a dedicated portal. The SOP is expected to help establish uniform standards, defined procedures and systematic infection prevention and control practices across healthcare institutions in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Ashok Singhal highlighted the importance of quality healthcare in protecting the lives of mothers and children. He stressed the need for safe maternity care, timely treatment, early identification of complications and appropriate medical intervention, besides strengthening infection prevention and control measures at healthcare facilities.

Dr P Ashok Babu made a detailed presentation on infection prevention and control, while participants discussed the need for effective monitoring, timely intervention and improved treatment mechanisms in maternal and child healthcare.

A key focus of the conference was the provision of technical support and guidance to district health systems through medical colleges. Discussions centred on district-specific strategies to further reduce maternal and infant mortality, improve coordination between different levels of healthcare and ensure timely identification of high-risk mothers and children.

Representatives of various medical colleges presented the measures already undertaken in their respective districts and outlined plans for future interventions. The participants also discussed strategies to improve the quality of district-level healthcare through medical college support.

A special session was also held on cases of cerebral palsy, covering early identification, timely treatment, rehabilitation and care, as well as the role of families and the healthcare system.

The conference concluded with discussions on a future action plan to further bring down maternal and neonatal mortality in Assam. The deliberations emphasised coordinated service delivery, data-driven planning and effective implementation of measures at the state, district and healthcare-institution levels.

In his concluding remarks, Minister Ashok Singhal reiterated the need to improve the quality of healthcare services and ensure accountable and coordinated action at every level to protect maternal and child health.

The conference marked an important step towards strengthening maternal and child healthcare in Assam and establishing a more organised system for infection prevention and control. Greater coordination and exchange of expertise among medical colleges, district health authorities and other stakeholders are expected to contribute to improving healthcare delivery and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths across the state.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash