Who doesn't wish to have a healthy child? But sometimes, unfortunately, a child is abnormal at birth due to some genetic or metabolic error. But it is possible to have a healthy child if these disorders are detected in time. And to make it possible in Pune, for the first time, Surya Hospital would be launching the Prenatal/Neonatal Screening facility by next month.

The hospital has invested more than Rs. 25 lakh in setting up the laboratory and importing the instruments from Finland. Currently, the hospital is in the process of training people for the new technique of Prenatal and Neonatal Screening and is presently conducting trial runs.Talking to Pharmabiz.com, managing director, Dr. Prasad Honap says, "This technique tests genetic /metabolic defects in a child at Prenatal and Neonatal stage respectively, through blood samples. This is a blessing for the parents as the early detection of the genetic disorders or the metabolic disorders could give parents a chance to have a healthy child."

Presently, Ultrasound Technique is the only option for the expecting mother to examine the growth of the child, which unfortunately cannot detect genetic disorders. Thus, Prenatal Screening technique comes as a helping tool for such expecting mothers wherein just a blood sample of expectant mothers can reveal any kind of genetic defects like Down's Syndrome, Edward's Syndrome and Open Neural Tube Defects amongst other defects, in the child that is still in the womb. This gives parents a chance to opt for an abortion rather than having a defective child."Unlike Ultrasound, Prenatal Screening does not detect sex of a child," Dr. Honap adds firmly.

Similarly, the Neonatal Screening or Newborn Screening (NBS) is also helpful for the parents. Says Dr. Honap, "Newborn Screening is an important health strategy that enables early detection of several inborn errors of metabolism which if left untreated, may have adverse affects on a baby's health." These include mental retardation and death, too, in severe cases.

While in 17 countries NBS is an integral part of routine newborn care for decades now, in India NBS concept is still not given priority. Avers Dr. Honap, `` The doctors are aware of this technique but the cost factor come forth when it comes to implementing this technique and investing in the expensive instruments.''

To spread more awareness and the significance of this technique, Surya Hospital would be conducting seminars for the local doctors in the city in the approaching months. The hospital also plans to reach out to the cities of Western Maharshtra viz. Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur. Dr. Honap concludes, "If people understand what newborn screening involves, what it prevents and what it can provide for them and their children, they will want to take advantage of its availability."