Government hospitals across Tamil Nadu have reported shortages of surfactant medicines, a critical treatment used for some very premature babies whose lungs have not developed enough to function effectively after birth.
The shortage has reportedly continued for several months, with several Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) flagging supply concerns to the Health Department. Reports from hospitals and doctors indicate that shortages have affected centres in districts including Theni, Dharmapuri, Tiruppur, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore and Karur, as well as Chennai. Some hospitals, however, have reported uninterrupted supplies.
Surfactant is naturally produced in the lungs and helps keep the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, open. Very premature babies may not produce enough of it, making it difficult to maintain adequate oxygen levels. Depending on the baby's condition, doctors may use respiratory support such as CPAP or mechanical ventilation, with surfactant delivered directly into the lungs when required.
Doctors cited several possible reasons for shortages, including inadequate allotments, incorrect estimates of requirements and higher utilisation. Some centres have reportedly borrowed supplies from other facilities, while others have made local purchases to ensure treatment is available.
The Health Department, however, has disputed the suggestion of a broader procurement failure. An official said there was no procurement delay and that centres facing shortages could obtain supplies from neighbouring facilities. The department also said a six-month purchase order worth nearly ₹9 crore had been issued, with additional arrangements for local purchases when necessary.
Officials said supplies were expected to reach hospitals shortly and that the situation was being monitored.

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