Varanasi to get its first state-of-the-art MSNCU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, has received a major health gift to strengthen maternal and newborn health services.

City South MLA and former minister Dr Neelkanth Tiwari on Sunday formally laid the foundation stone for Varanasi’s first MSNCU (Maternal Sick Newborn Care Unit) building at the Government District Women’s Hospital complex in Kabirchaura.

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To be built at a cost of approximately ₹2.55 crore, this state-of-the-art health unit will become a new hub for modern medical services for poor women and newborns.

During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Dr Neelkanth Tiwari stated that the MSNCU will prove to be a milestone in strengthening maternal and newborn health services. He stated that the proposed building will have 24 beds for mothers and 24 beds for their newborns. The construction of this unit will provide comprehensive treatment facilities at one location for mothers and sick newborns experiencing serious postpartum health problems.

He stated that previously, premature babies or those in critical condition had to be separated from their mothers and sent to other hospitals for treatment. This caused mental and physical distress for both mother and child. However, with the opening of this unit, premature and weak babies will be able to receive better medical care while maintaining contact with their mothers.

Dr Neelkanth Tiwari stated that this unit will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and trained medical staff. Advanced facilities such as minimally invasive ventilation, phototherapy, warmers, and incubators will be available. He noted that the Women’s Hospital sees a large number of deliveries daily, and a significant number of patients arrive from surrounding districts. Consequently, the opening of this unit will reduce the number of cases referred to BHU and other major hospitals.

He also stated that this project is a significant achievement for the district, especially the Southern Assembly constituency. This unit will play a crucial role in reducing neonatal mortality. He informed that after Ghaziabad, this will be the second state-of-the-art MSNCU in Uttar Pradesh, and its construction is targeted to be completed in the next four months.

Health experts believe that the expansion of modern units like MSNCU will give a new direction to the quality of maternal and child health services in the state. The launch of this project in Varanasi is being seen as a significant achievement in the health sector.