Tele-NICU models help address the shortage of specialist doctors and neonatal intensive care facilities in peripheral centers, which often leads to the need for transferring
high-risk neonates to tertiary hospitals—an approach that
carries both clinical and logistical risks. In the Tele-NICU
model, a central tertiary NICU (‘hub’) is digitally linked
with multiple peripheral units (‘spokes’) via internet-based
platforms, enabling real-time virtual rounds, consultations,
guided resuscitations, and training. This facilitates standardized, evidence-based care and has been shown to reduce
transfers, improve outcomes, and lower costs, especially in
underserved regions [1]. The hub-and-spoke model of TeleNICU has emerged as a practical and scalable solution to
bridge critical gaps in neonatal care in India [2].
The article by Agarwal et al. published in the journal,
introduces a similar simple and effective intervention aimed
at addressing neonatal health disparities in the underserved
regions of Chhattisgarh [3]. By combining telemedicine
with structured quality improvement (QI) strategies, the
authors present a hybrid model that offers an innovative and
contextually relevant approach to enhancing neonatal intensive care delivery in resource-constrained settings.
The Indian state of Chhattisgarh, with its high neonatal
mortality, geographic isolation, and shortage of pediatric
specialists, represents a region in urgent need of scalable
healthcare solutions. The hybrid model—featuring daily
tele-rounds via Skype or WhatsApp, monthly in-person