Government hospitals across Tamil Nadu are reportedly facing shortages of surfactant drugs, which are considered essential in treating premature babies suffering from respiratory distress.
The shortage has raised concerns among doctors and healthcare workers, particularly in facilities handling large numbers of high-risk newborns.
Vital medicine in short supply
Surfactant is administered to premature babies whose lungs are not sufficiently developed. The medicine helps improve lung function and can be critical in the early treatment of respiratory distress syndrome.
According to hospital sources cited by The Hindu, stocks of the medicine have been running low in several government healthcare facilities. Doctors have expressed concern that uninterrupted availability is important, particularly in neonatal intensive care units where premature babies may require immediate treatment.
The issue comes at a time when government hospitals remain an important source of specialised newborn care for families who may not be able to afford treatment at private facilities.
Hospitals seek uninterrupted supplies
Healthcare personnel have reportedly raised the issue with authorities, seeking timely replenishment of stocks and measures to prevent shortages of essential neonatal medicines.
Doctors treating premature babies face narrow treatment windows, making the availability of critical medicines particularly important during emergencies.
The reported shortage has therefore drawn attention to the need for reliable procurement and distribution systems for essential neonatal drugs across government hospitals.
Authorities are expected to address the supply situation and ensure that hospitals treating vulnerable newborns have adequate stocks to meet emergency requirements.