Biometric system tried at neonatal ICU

Chennai: The neonatal intensive care unit of the Kilpauk Medical College is undergoing a trial process for the biometric system launched at the unit recently.

“The biometric system, which will identify the face or thumb prints or swipe card of the mothers who delivered there, will be useful in preventing baby theft and infections in the ward (from the visitors who would otherwise be constantly entering and exiting the ward),” said Dean of the Hospital, Dr. Narayana Babu.

The system follows the footsteps of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) system that is seen in the Labour ward at Madurai Medical College. “The RFI is a system wherein the mother and the child both have a tag on their hands. If the mother and the baby are separated by 30 metres, it will make a loud noise, alerting the nurses and doctors at the ward,” said the dean.

The biometric system at the hospital will undergo the trial process for a month. If it’s a success, it will be expanded to other hospitals as well, he added.

Applauding the hospital for taking up such an initiative, a doctor from Government Hospital in the city said, “Though baby thefts are fewer in the state as compared to in northern states, it is essential to prevent it completely.”