KATHMANDU: Hypothermia, a condition where body temperature drops below 35°C, is a leading cause of child mortality in rural Nepal, largely due to the lack of life-saving equipment in community hospitals. To address this, Jyoti Bikas Bank has launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to distribute baby warmers to rural hospitals, aiming to significantly reduce newborn deaths.

Understanding the critical need, Jyoti Bikas Bank provided baby warmers to hospitals that lacked this essential equipment. Kushal Jung Adhikari, head of Branding, Corporate Communication, and CRM at Jyoti Bikas Bank, emphasized the bank's commitment to addressing this issue in rural areas by supplying baby warmers as part of their CSR efforts. Hypothermia in newborns, which occurs when their body temperature falls below 35°C, is exacerbated by the unavailability of baby warmers in rural hospitals.

Initially, the bank donated baby warmers to hospitals in Jorpati and Kirtipur, but has since expanded its efforts to remote districts like Dailekh, Kalikot, Jumla, and Mugu. Partnering with the National Innovation Center led by Mahabir Pun, the bank has distributed 43 baby warmers and plans to donate five more within the fiscal year. Doctors note that temperature fluctuations can lead to pneumonia, and in rural areas, parents often resort to using firewood and coals to warm infants, which can be dangerous.

Imported baby warmers cost around Rs 150,000 per unit, while locally designed units by the National Innovation Center cost about Rs 85,000. The bank chose locally made warmers to promote local skills and support communities most in need. The bank distributes baby warmers based on hospital requests, ensuring proper installation, maintenance, and monitoring. A team, including a biomedical engineer, installs the equipment and trains local staff to ensure effective use, helping save thousands of newborn lives.