Hyderabad, Nov 15 (TTI): Preterm births are on the rise in Andhra Pradesh due to increased frequency of multiple births and stress, among other factors, experts said after releasing a report on premature births in India.

A staggering 36 lakh preterm children are born annually out of which three lakh die within 28 days.

Preterm infants also face immediate and long term complications stemming from organs that are not optimally ready for extra uterine life, the report said.

Lungs, gastrointestinal tract, brain, immune system, haematological function, skin and kidneys are not yet fully developed in pre-term babies, who are born in less than 37 weeks of gestational age.

The report: 'Delivered Too Soon' on premature births called on the government to recognize premature births as a public health concern. The report brought out by the Indian Foundation for Premature Babies (IFPB) with the help of 60-odd neonatologists across the country elaborates on growth and massive gaps in infrastructure.

According to the latest WHO data, India is at the top of the list of 10 nations contributing to 60% of the world's premature deliveries. The cost of care in private sector is not affordable to the masses, says the report.

"We are going to meet the stakeholders. Funds are available under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) but authorities don't know where to spend. This report will give them a direction," said Dr Shyamakant Giri, country director, IFPB.

Giri said Andhra Pradesh has the highest neonatal mortality rate among southern states. "Surprisingly, the state government doesn't procure drugs for management of complications related to premature births whereas other states are doing it."

"Under NRHM, funds to set up neonatal intensive care units are being given. Tamil Nadu has reduced neonatal mortality rate drastically. And so is Karnataka. AP has initiated some steps in the direction," said Dr Dinesh Chirala, member, IFPB. There is a huge gap in the availability of infrastructure and manpower in urban and rural set ups, he said.

Experts said that three quarters of premature babies can be saved with cost-effective interventions including the right medication, kangaroo mother care and antibiotics to treat newborn infections. Improving neonatal care at all levels and strengthening follow up services for preterm neonates is the need of the hour, he added. Rising c-sections are also leading to increasing caseload of preterm births, experts said.