Each year, approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely i.e One out of ten babies is born prematurely. Out of these, 3.5 million babies born in India too suffer from prematurity. Prematurity has become a leading cause of death for babies under the age of five mortality rate.
17th November is observed as World Prematurity Day. A special day to raise awareness about all the challenges and struggles faced by a premature baby( before getting the wholesome and necessary nutrition by the mother). Globally on this day countless individuals and organizations from more than 100 countries join hands with various activities, rallies, campaigns, special events, and commit to taking action to spread awareness about premature babies. The purple color symbolizes this movement to prevent premature births and signifies sensitivity and exceptionality, the band of 10 socks out which one stands out is for the all the babies that are born prematurely, the idea has become quite popular, globally.
This year’s celebration theme – “Born too soon: providing the right care, at the right time, at the right place” was followed worldwide. Keeping all the above scenarios in mind D Y Patil Healthcare took it upon them to contribute to this prestigious movement and celebrate World Prematurity Day on 27th November 2019 with great vigor and enthusiasm. Many guests were invited to the function out of which several were those parents, who had been through the transformative and restorative journey at the NICU department of D Y Patil Healthcare, where they were provided special care and treatment for the babies. Many parents threw light on the struggles they went through to take care of their premature babies and how helpful and caring the staff at the NICU department led to the healthy growth of their child. The event was graced by Honorary Dr. Vijay Patil (President of D Y Patil Healthcare) and Mrs. Shivani Patil (Managing Trustee of D Y Patil Healthcare) who later felicitate these parents and kids. The event was filled with smiles of many healthy babies and their parents with various activities where interactive sessions were conducted by specialists to enlighten people about prematurity in babies followed by a Q&A with parents. Lastly, Dr. Shital Kohle, NICU in charge at D Y Patil Healthcare, organizer of the Program added that “It’s a day to shine a light on the risks and hardships created by premature birth and spreading compassion for families who have experienced this critical condition.
