Bihar celebrates NRP day-AIIMS Patna hosts UNICEF-backed newborn care programme. 18,000 health workers trained
10 May 2026
Patna
AIIMS Patna on Sunday became the focal point of one of India’s largest newborn-care training campaigns as the National Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Day witnessed participation from healthcare professionals, government officials and neonatal experts from across the country.
The nationwide initiative, organised by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, State Health Society, Govt. of Bihar, UNICEF, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), marked 35 years of neonatal resuscitation training in India.
The campaign aimed to train more than 18,000 healthcare providers in neonatal resuscitation techniques in a single day, an effort organiser described as one of the world’s largest capacity-building exercises in newborn care. The initiative has also been proposed for inclusion in the Limca Book of Records. The programme aligns with India’s Newborn Action Plan (INAP), which aims to bring neonatal mortality to single digits by 2030.
The programme began with the felicitation of dignitaries, followed by the National Song, lamp-lighting ceremony and concluded with the National Anthem.
Chief guest Dr Sanjay Agarwal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, stressed the need for strengthening referral and stabilisation systems to ensure timely and equitable healthcare access for every mother and newborn. He said that trained healthcare manpower remained the key to reducing neonatal mortality and emphasised the adoption of global best practices, such as Kangaroo Mother Care, and quality newborn care standards aligned with WHO recommendations.
Appreciating the efforts of NNF, UNICEF and AIIMS Patna, he said collaborative initiatives in training and capacity building would play a crucial role in improving neonatal healthcare outcomes in Bihar.
Ms Monika Nielsen, chief of field office, UNICEF Bihar, said strengthening neonatal resuscitation skills among frontline healthcare workers was essential for achieving India’s target of single-digit neonatal mortality by 2030. Highlighting the importance of the “First Golden Minute”, she said timely and skilled intervention could significantly improve newborn survival outcomes.
Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal, executive director-cum-vice chancellor, AIIMS Patna, said reducing Bihar’s neonatal mortality rate to single digits would require sustained public health efforts, continuous training and strong institutional support. He also underlined the importance of regular skill reinforcement for healthcare professionals handling neonatal emergencies.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Vivek from UNICEF India said strengthening neonatal healthcare systems and developing skilled human resources were critical to reducing preventable newborn deaths in the country. “Infrastructure alone is not enough. Timely intervention during the first few minutes after birth can save countless newborn lives,” he said.
Addressing the event, Dr Lalan K Bharti, president, National Neonatology Forum (NNF), said simple but effective interventions such as neonatal resuscitation, Kangaroo Mother Care and exclusive breastfeeding could substantially reduce newborn deaths. He said the nationwide campaign aimed to ensure that every delivery point in the country had at least one healthcare provider trained in neonatal resuscitation.
Among those present at the dais were Prof (Dr) Anup Kumar, medical superintendent, AIIMS Patna; Prof (Dr) Punam Prasad Bhadani, dean (academics), AIIMS Patna; Dr S.S. Reddy,
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