CH NEWS, MANGALURU
A baby born at just 24 weeks of gestation (five-and-a-half months of pregnancy), at the very threshold of viability, has successfully overcome a series of life-threatening challenges following prolonged and highly specialised treatment at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Indiana Hospital. Now around four months old, the baby has been discharged in a stable condition without oxygen support, is feeding well, gaining weight satisfactorily, and has normal eye, hearing and neurological assessments for the corrected age.
The baby’s remarkable recovery has become a source of inspiration for the entire NICU team and stands as a moving example of how advanced neonatal care, dedicated teamwork, and unwavering parental hope can come together to create a positive outcome. Babies born at 24 weeks are extremely premature, with several organs, including the lungs, brain, intestines, eyes, and immune system, still at a very early stage of development. The infant faced numerous hurdles during the hospital stay and required continuous monitoring, respiratory support, careful nutritional management, infection prevention, and coordinated multidisciplinary care.
The treating team included senior consultant paediatrician and chairman of Indiana Hospital Dr Ali Kumble, senior consultant neonatologist Dr Abhishek K Phadke, paediatric surgeon Dr Vijay Mahantesh S Samalad, and consultant paediatric interventional cardiologist Dr Satish Kumar B S, supported by the hospital’s dedicated NICU doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals.
Dr Ali Kumble said the child’s recovery reflected the commitment of the entire hospital team and the availability of advanced neonatal facilities. “This baby’s journey represents courage, perseverance, and coordinated medical care. The outcome was possible because of timely intervention, advanced NICU facilities, continuous specialist supervision, and the tireless efforts of our doctors and nursing team. Caring for an extremely premature baby is a long journey filled with uncertainty, he added.
