First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has stressed the need to develop skilled professionals in neonatal care alongside investment in specialised facilities, modern equipment and medical technology, while addressing the opening ceremony of the NeoCare Conference.
Reflecting on the development of neonatal care, the First Lady said the sector has made significant progress despite the challenges faced since services began. She said the decisions made by doctors, together with the care and reassurance provided by nurses, give parents their greatest sense of comfort.
The First Lady stressed that every newborn, regardless of where they are born, should receive the comprehensive healthcare and protection they need. She said delivering such care requires trained healthcare professionals as well as the necessary medical equipment.
She said investment is needed in specialised facilities, modern equipment and medical technology for neonatal care. In addition to obtaining these resources, the First Lady stressed the importance of developing professionals with specialised expertise in the field.
"Technology alone cannot save a life. A machine can monitor a heartbeat, but we need trained professionals who can understand what that heartbeat is telling us," the First Lady said.
First Lady Sajidha said providing neonatal care requires continuous training, specialised education and mentorship, as well as opportunities for healthcare professionals to learn from one another. She urged participants to apply the lessons gained from the NeoCare Conference in delivering services and share that knowledge with others working in the field.
She said bringing together participants from different healthcare facilities this year to share their experiences would provide significant support for the development of the field.
Looking ahead, the First Lady Sajidha expressed hope that NeoCare services would continue to develop at the national level. She urged healthcare providers to identify the challenges they face and called for the information they provide to be taken into consideration when decisions are made.
The First Lady stressed the need for a commitment to ensure comprehensive care not only for children born today, but for every child born in the future.
During the opening ceremony of the NeoCare Conference, the First Lady launched the NeoCare and NICU News Bulletin.