This has raised questions on special newborn care units or SNCUs in the district and nearby areas, which are meant to play a critical role in saving lives. There is an SNCU in Ballia, yet babies are referred to BRD hospital by the staff who probably prefer to leave early. Around 2,000-2,500 patients come to the 200-bed BRD hospital every day. If sick babies continue to be referred to a tertiary care hospital, despite SNCUs having been set up, it defeats the very purpose (of setting them up). There is, as reported, a problem with the oxygen supply in BRD Hospital.

Source: Indian Express August 13, 2017 20:37 UTC