A survey of neonatal resuscitation facilities in the urban setting of Lahore

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the status of basic facilities and equipment required for neonatal resuscitation and the level of training in neonatal resuscitation of personnel attending neonates at the time of delivery at different health care centers in Lahore. Study design: A cross sectional descriptive epidemiological study. Place and duration: The study was conducted at different health care centers providing obstetrical care in different areas of urban Lahore from February to May 1998. Subjects & Methods: A survey of about 51 different health care facilities like Private hospitals private clinics and MCH centers in different areas of Lahore was done. Based on a preset questionnaire the in charge of the relevant place was interviewed regarding availability of requisite equipment and level of training of their staff in neonatal resuscitation. Results: A total of 51 centers in Lahore were surveyed. Out of them 36 were private clinics, 11 private hospitals and 4 MCH Centers. These centers were run by doctors (65%), LHVs (23%) and nurses (6%), mid wife, dai, dispenser (2%) each. Most of these centers did not have all the required resuscitation equipment, for instance the space for resuscitation was available with 50%, warmers were present 24%, blankets 60%, bulb sucker 49%, electric suction machine 31%, oxygen 51 `%, bag &mask 20% and intubation equipment 16% were available. The referral transportation was not available in 75%. Regarding training level of the personnel present at the time of delivery 80% did not have any newborn resuscitation training and only Out of the rest only 8 personnel knew how to intubate the newborn. Conclusion: Most of the centers lack requisite equipment needed for neonatal resuscitation and there is a need for the staff to under go training in neonatal resuscitation.