The Child Health Program in Telangana reflects a comprehensive approach aimed at improving the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. The program’s primary goals are to reduce child mortality and enhance overall health outcomes. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) to provide specialised care for newborns with complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight, requiring critical medical attention.
These SNCUs are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by trained healthcare professionals capable of handling neonatal emergencies. Telangana has established 46 SNCUs, of which 27 are under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and 19 under the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP). These facilities offer comprehensive care for newborns, excluding cases requiring mechanical ventilation or major surgical interventions.
To further enhance neonatal care, the state has created a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Niloufer Hospital, implementing a hub-and-spoke model that connects 28 peripheral SNCUs. The CoE provides real-time support, conducts virtual rounds, and offers continuous guidance to SNCU staff. This model has significantly contributed to improving the quality of newborn care, and in turn, reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
In the 2023–24 period (up to June 2024), a total of 64,310 children were admitted to SNCUs. Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) contributed Rs. 20.22 crore to Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This funding supports the construction of a new outpatient building and the procurement of advanced medical equipment. The initiative was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 28, 2024, between the Hospital Superintendent and the General Manager of HAL. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the hospital’s infrastructure and medical capabilities, thereby improving patient care and services at Niloufer Hospital.
