RAKSHAKARMA IN NEONATES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PREVENTIVE NEONATOLOGY

Abstract

Rakshakarma which means protective measures or preventive procedure. It is one of the important procedures extensively used and talked. Sushruta emphasizes in detail about the Rakshakarma in the management of wound, whereas Charaka and Vagbhata spoke about Rakshakarma especially during child care. Present neonatal care includes special aseptic measures to be adopted aiming to prevent any infection of the newborn. According to WHO report (2008),in India it is reported that 50-60% of all neonatal death occur within the first month of life due to poor aseptic technique practices in the labour room. Of these more than half may die during the first week of life..Every day 1500 women die from pregnancy or child birth-related complication. Right from the initiation of birth process, measures for sepsis and antisepsis such as clean hands, clean surface, use of sterile surgical instruments (blade/scissor), clean handling of the cord, use of surgical mask, gloves etc. are to be religiously followed until handling and resuscitation of the newborn baby. Appropriate hygiene is advised throughout the newborn care to decrease infection episodes during infancy.