30 years of paediatric practice have taught me many lessons. I entered into paediatrics when it was at a vey nasecent stage.80 percent of paediatrics was a simple newborn care , breast feeding and weaning. Few high tech names started appearing in journals - ECMO for the preamture babies,incubators and ventilation of newborn ,phototherapy etc.The heroic measure taken by neonatlogist and saving a premature child weighing 450 gm often make headlines. No one calculates the cost of treament in such cases .
Long term outcome and problems faced by these neonates in later life do not make any headlines.But I often think - have we been able to reduce the neonatal and infant mortality rate with these mesure?The only big thing that has made a difference is - Immunization and ORS. The cost incurred in these life saving measure is miniscule. We have been able to reduce the disabilty and mortality…
