Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has said neonatal care goes beyond saving a newborn's life, describing it as a critical period of care closely linked to a child's health throughout their lifetime.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second NeoCare Conference, Minister Geela said the geographical nature of the Maldives presents significant challenges to healthcare delivery. She said conferences of this nature can strengthen connections between hospitals, provide professional guidance and help develop healthcare workers with greater knowledge of neonatal care across the country.
Minister Geela said atoll and regional hospitals have yet to fully establish neonatal services. However, doctors and experienced professionals at tertiary hospitals continue to work together to provide the information and support required to deliver such care.
She said this collaboration also helps healthcare workers become more aware of the appropriate steps to take when an emergency occurs. Minister Geela stressed that hospitals providing neonatal care must continue to keep pace with developments in the field to maintain the standard of their services.
"This is not an area where we can provide training once and leave it at that. It requires continuous training. Professional development, clinical mentorship and a thorough understanding of the different ways in which services can be delivered are major responsibilities," Minister Geela said.
The Minister said developing the neonatal care system requires long-term planning. She stressed the importance of human resource development to ensure healthcare workers remain proficient as methods of delivering care change and the equipment used for treatment evolves.
Minister Geela also said the responsibility of healthcare professionals does not end when a newborn is discharged following treatment. She said providing appropriate follow-up care, giving families comprehensive information and advising them on the care required to protect the child's health remain among their most important responsibilities.
Second NeoCare Conference begins with focus on neonatal care
The second NeoCare Conference, focusing on the care of newborns in vulnerable conditions, has begun with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed inaugurating the event.
The First Lady launched the first NeoCare and NICU News Bulletin at the opening ceremony. This marks the second year of the conference, following its inaugural edition last year.
Speaking at the ceremony, Malé City Group of Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said care for newborns in vulnerable conditions extends beyond treatment provided in neonatal intensive care units. He said their safety depends on healthcare provided across the entire hospital.
CEO Haleem said the initiative began with a conference for neonatal nurses last year, providing an opportunity to share experiences, promote professional practice and bring greater attention to this sensitive and important area of healthcare. He said NeoCare has developed this year into a multidisciplinary platform where professionals can discuss matters relating to neonatal care.
World Health Organization Representative to the Maldives, Payden, addressed the ceremony, noting the progress the Maldives has made in the health sector. Payden said the country has achieved significant progress in maternal health in particular, at both international and regional levels.
Hulhumalé Hospital is organising the three-day conference, with doctors and nurses working in neonatal intensive care units at 19 hospitals set to participate.