The perinatal center at City Hospital No. 24 in Moscow has launched an interesting experiment offering round-the-clock observation of premature babies in their incubators through cameras installed in the wards.
Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova has spoken about the project at the four-day Healthy Moscow Assembly forum underway in Moscow. Previously, premature infants were placed in separate wards with visits strictly regulated; now their mothers, fathers and other close relatives will be able to see the babies anytime and as long as they want.
To apply, users will be required to fill out a form with their passport details. After that they will be given a link to the video broadcast from the incubator to be accessed from their smartphones – and will watch a real-time show starring their children.
Doctors believe that parents who are not allowed to be near the baby will be much calmer if they have a chance to see the baby online. If the experiment is a success, and there are enough positive reviews from mothers having their babies at City Hospital No. 24, the system is going to be extended to other perinatal centers and maternity hospitals.
According to Chair of the Moscow Public Services Committee Yelena Shinkaruk, the costs of this healthcare innovation will be minimal because it requires no sophisticated equipment or changes in infrastructure – just a few regular webcams to be installed.