Transport of referred sick neonates: how far from ideal?

Transportation of sick neonates under controlled conditions has a direct relationship with morbidity and mortality(l). Poor transportation is one of the iatrogenic factors significantly associated with greater neonatal mortality(2). Attention is now being paid to intra-hospital transport of babies. However, care during referral to hospital is largely a neglected field in India and no documentation is available regarding the existing practices. Unsatisfactory and unorganized transportation has been very frequently observed among sick neonates referred to our hospital, which prompted us to carry out an in depth assessment of neonatal transportation in the region.