Kanjirapally: An administrative sanction has been granted to construct a modern Maternity-cum-Child Health Block at the General Hospital here, Government Chief Whip Dr N Jayaraj said.

The project plan will be submitted to the T S Committee for receiving technical sanction, Jayaraj, who represents Kanjirapally in the State Assembly, said. The National Health Mission allotted the funds to set up a modern, comprehensive Maternity-cum-Child Health department.

Safe delivery
The planned block will have a Labour Delivery Recovery Suit (LRD Suit) meeting the Centre Health Department's LaQshya standards. LaQshya is a programme focused on improving the quality of care during childbirth in labour rooms and maternity operation theatres. The aim is to ensure a dignified and comfortable experience for mothers.

The proposed department will provide medical examination and care during pregnancy, counselling, and facilities for safe deliveries. Currently, these are provided at different locations in the hospital. All these facilities will be made available on one floor under one roof once the block becomes functional.

As part of providing all services at one location, the labour room, the operating theatre, and allied facilities will be set up adjacent to each other. The intention is to avoid taking the patient to the operating theatre in another building, which causes a delay that might lead to unwanted situations. The new block will have facilities for conventional deliveries as well as companion deliveries.

A single floor on 10,000 sq.ft
In the first phase, the Maternity-cum-Child Health Block will be housed in a single-storey building spread over 10,000 sq. ft. The existing Department of Gynaecology will also be accommodated in the building. The department was recently upgraded under the Ardram Scheme. More outpatient and inpatient departments and a paediatric section will be included in the second phase.

The new building will be constructed attached to the existing gynaecology wing, after demolishing the building which earlier housed the outpatient department and the hospital's office. The Hospital Management Committee said an estimate is being prepared to demolish the old building. Hindustan Lifecare Limited, a consultant recognised by the National Health Mission, will be responsible for the construction works.