Manipur health centre detects syphilis in pregnant woman, prevents mother-to-child risk

The intervention reduced the risk of the infection being passed on to her unborn child. The woman, from Miran village, visited an Apollo TeleHealth-supported primary health centre, where routine pregnancy screening found syphilis, a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can pass from a mother.

Her laboratory report was then validated through Apollo TeleHealth's digital quality assurance system. After the result was confirmed, she was counselled, referred for confirmatory testing and her treatment was started.

What Happened

She has received the first of the recommended weekly Benzathine Penicillin injections. Her husband also tested positive and was given treatment to prevent reinfection.

• The initiative, run by Apollo TeleHealth in partnership with the Manipur government, has served more than 6,000 patients and facilitated over 10,000 teleconsultations, besides supporting more than 1,500 antenatal care visits.

• Women account for 56 per cent of its beneficiaries and men 44 per cent.

• The digitally enabled primary health centres operate in Borobekra, Henglep, Senvon and Thanlon, with doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians on site and specialist support provided through teleconsultations.

Key Details

She will continue to be monitored at the e-PHC, with repeat serological testing planned after treatment to assess her response.

• An obstetric ultrasound has been advised for the woman as she could not recall her exact last menstrual period.

• Apollo TeleHealth said congenital syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, newborn death and lifelong physical and developmental disabilities.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge