Saving Tiny Lives: How Surabaya is Fixing Neonatal Emergency Care

The Problem

In Surabaya, Indonesia, newborns are facing a critical issue. Many don't receive the immediate care they need during emergencies due to a broken system for transporting them to the right hospitals.

Hospital Challenges

• Lack of Beds and Trained Staff: Hospitals often don’t have enough resources, leading to long wait times for babies.
• Non-Standard Processes: Even when babies reach major hospitals, the lack of standardization makes it difficult for doctors to provide the best care.

Systemic Issues

• No Central Authority: There’s no single entity overseeing the system to ensure smooth operations.
• Poor Data Tracking: No efficient way to track data or evaluate system performance.
• Lack of Collaboration: Different groups involved in the process are not working together effectively.

The Solution

Experts have analyzed the system and identified key areas for improvement:

• Train More Staff: Ensure there are enough qualified professionals to handle emergencies.
• Streamline Processes: Standardize procedures to make care more efficient.
• Appoint a Leader: Assign someone to oversee the entire system.
• Regular Monitoring: Continuously assess progress to ensure improvements.

A Broader Issue

This isn’t just a problem in Surabaya. Many places face similar challenges. By addressing these issues, we can save more lives.