Universal newborn screening programme to roll out in Bengaluru

The Health Department will launch a Universal Newborn Screening Programme to detect congenital conditions and prevent rare disease deaths.

The pilot will begin in Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts.

Doctors from government maternity hospitals are being trained at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH). Blood samples from newborns will be collected between 48 and 72 hours after birth for testing.

The programme aims for early detection and timely treatment. Preparations are underway to implement it in government maternity hospitals in both districts.

IGICH and Vani Vilas Hospital will serve as testing centres. All newborns in public health facilities will be screened. If any abnormality is found, blood samples will be sent for further tests.

Screening will detect hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, phenylketonuria, G6PD deficiency, and other metabolic disorders. The test will cost Rs 500. Once diagnosed, treatment, including hormone therapy and interventions, will be provided.

“This programme will help identify infants at risk and provide timely treatment. Newborn mortality will reduce through early detection and care. Delay in diagnosis makes treatment costly and increases risk of disability or death," said Dr Sanjay KS, Director, IGICH.