KGMU Launches Comprehensive CTG Training Initiative to Tackle Newborn Mortality
In a significant move to address the critical issue of newborn deaths, King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow inaugurated a specialized cardiotocography (CTG) training workshop on Wednesday. The initiative, launched in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced skills to monitor fetal health during labor, thereby preventing fatalities caused by oxygen deprivation.
High-Level Inauguration and Key Objectives
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Prof Soniya Nityanand, Vice-Chancellor of KGMU, and Pinky Jowel, Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM). This collaboration underscores the urgency of improving maternal and neonatal care across healthcare facilities. Medical experts at the event emphasized that lack of oxygen to the baby during birth remains a leading cause of newborn deaths, and CTG technology plays a pivotal role in early problem detection by monitoring the baby's heartbeat in real-time.
Structured Training Program Under RRTC
As part of the Regional Resource Training Centre (RRTC) programme, the obstetrics and gynaecology department at KGMU has developed a comprehensive CTG training module. The program will be implemented in phases:
- Phase One: Training of trainers from 20 medical colleges to ensure standardized knowledge dissemination.
- Phase Two: Extensive training for doctors and nurses, supplemented by both online and offline mentoring to reinforce learning and practical application.
This structured approach is designed to create a ripple effect, enhancing CTG proficiency nationwide and enabling timely medical interventions that can save lives.
Integration of AI and Emphasis on Empathy
Prof Nityanand highlighted the innovative use of artificial intelligence in CTG and ultrasound technologies, which can support healthcare services in smaller or remote centers where specialist availability is limited. This AI integration aims to bridge gaps in medical expertise, ensuring that even underserved regions benefit from advanced diagnostic tools.
Meanwhile, Pinky Jowel stressed the necessity of making CTG equipment accessible at all healthcare centers. She also emphasized the importance of treating patients with care and empathy, noting that technological advancements must be complemented by compassionate healthcare practices to achieve holistic improvements in neonatal outcomes.
This initiative marks a proactive step towards reducing infant mortality rates through enhanced training, technological innovation, and a patient-centered approach, setting a benchmark for neonatal care in India.
