KEM Hospital discharges boy born at 700 grams after five months in neonatal ICU

Doctors at KEM Hospital in Parel, Mumbai, run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have successfully treated a boy born far ahead of term. The child weighed only 700 grams at birth.

According to an official statement from the hospital, the baby spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). He was discharged on November 6, when he weighed 3.3 kg and was fully breastfed.

The statement said that during the long treatment the newborn battled several life-threatening complications. He needed intensive care and respiratory support. A dedicated team of doctors and nurses kept a constant watch on his condition and gradually helped him recover by bringing these complications under control.

In a statement issued by Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, it was said the baby received specialised newborn care for five months. At discharge his weight was 2.6 kg more than his birth weight, and he was fully on his mother's milk.

The treatment was led by Dr Anitha Haribalakrishna, head of the neonatology department at KEM Hospital. The medical team handled a difficult course of treatment that involved respiratory support, continuous monitoring and shared care from specialists across departments. Doctors and nursing staff gave constant bedside support during the baby's stay in the NICU.

The hospital said the baby's successful discharge is a major achievement in treating very prematurely born newborns. It said the outcome reflects the strength of its specialised newborn care facilities, its doctors' experience and its medical teams working in coordination.

The statement also said the achievement highlights the role of government teaching hospitals in providing modern and compassionate care to fragile newborns.