As part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen newborn survival, NRP Day was celebrated at SNM Hospital, Leh, Ladakh, on May 10 under the aegis of the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) India.

NNF India marked the occasion by conducting large-scale, hands-on Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) skill training sessions across the country. The initiative represents one of the largest synchronized healthcare training efforts in India.

The programme was organised with the objective of ensuring that every newborn receives timely and effective resuscitation support at birth.

Newborn mortality continues to remain a major public health concern in India. A significant number of neonatal deaths occur because babies fail to establish breathing immediately after birth. Experts say the first few minutes after delivery are crucial, and timely intervention by trained healthcare providers can prevent many such avoidable deaths. Simple, evidence-based techniques to help newborns breathe at birth can make the difference between life and death.

Recognising this urgent need, NNF India conceptualised and implemented this large-scale capacity-building initiative. Across the country, around 1,100 training courses are being conducted with the participation of nearly 23,000 healthcare providers.

The event at SNM Hospital Leh was inaugurated by Medical Superintendent Dr Yangchen Dolma. The lead instructor for the training programme was Dr Sunil Isher, Neonatologist, deputed by NNF India, while Dr Tsering Norphel served as the course instructor. Dr Spalchen Gonbo coordinated the programme.

A total of 22 participants, including gynaecologists, paediatricians, anaesthetists, DNB students, staff nurses and ANMs working at the Newborn Stabilization Unit of SDH Nubra and CHC Khaltsi, as well as the Special Care Newborn Unit of SNM Hospital, underwent the four-hour intensive training session.

The hands-on training programmes are being conducted free of cost and include healthcare workers from both government and private sectors. Organisers said this inclusive approach would help ensure wider outreach and uniform strengthening of newborn care practices.

This synchronized nationwide effort is also expected to set a record for conducting the highest number of neonatal resuscitation skill training sessions in a single day, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards improving newborn survival.