Kasturba Hospital's NICU Achieves Prestigious Level III-B Accreditation

Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital in Manipal have earned the esteemed Level III-B accreditation from the National Neonatology Forum for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, placing them among an elite group of only 15 hospitals in India recognized for exceptional neonatal care.

Manipal, Karnataka—Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, have achieved the eminent Level III-B accreditation by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This top-tier recognition is awarded to NICUs in India for excellence in care for critically ill and premature infants. As one of only 15 hospitals in the nation with this honor, Kasturba Hospital stands out for its exceptional neonatal care.

The Level III-B accreditation follows a meticulous evaluation of facilities, including infrastructure, equipment, and clinical protocols, ensuring the highest standards are upheld. Notably, Kasturba Hospital's NICU is the first teaching medical college hospital in Karnataka to receive this accolade and only the second unit in the state to do so. The 42-bed NICU is equipped with cutting-edge technology, capable of treating newborns as premature as 24 weeks and weighing as little as 500 grams.

Under the leadership of Dr. (Surg VAdm Retd) Sheila S Mathai, the NICU team consists of six neonatal consultants and 55 specialized nurses committed to providing top-quality care. This recognition also highlights the hospital's robust clinical outcomes for these vulnerable patients, underpinning its status as a center of excellence in neonatal care. During the accreditation ceremony, distinguished figures, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), lauded the team's relentless dedication to leading advancements in neonatal healthcare.

(With inputs from agencies.)