COLLABORATIVE NETWORK OF NEONATAL SERVICES TO REDUCE NEONATAL MORTALITY AND IMPROVE OUTCOME: ARMY MEDICAL CORPS COULD LEAD THE WAY

Abstract

Internationally, collaborative activities between neonatal units at local, regional or national level have shown to improve the standards of neonatal care and reduce neonatal mortality. Such networks not only improve outcome but act as a conduit for quality improvement, bench marking, reducing disparity between units and significantly reducing operating costs. Networks also create an environment for exchange of learning and knowledge, integrated research and international recognition. This article describes the rationale for the formation of neonatal networks internationally and makes a case for why and how such networks should be developed by Pakistan. Armed Forces Hospitals, as the leading health care provider in the country can provide a role model and benchmark for rest of the country on how a collaborative neonatal network can reduce neonatal mortality and improve neonatal care within Army Medical Corp (AMC) and throughout the country.