My name is Vijai, from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. In April 2025, my newborn nephew was born healthy. We followed every protocol. We asked the right questions. We got him screened. But none of it was enough. He died at just 38 days old.

His final diagnosis pointed to a suspected metabolic disorder—something treatable had it been caught early. But the screening panel, like most in India, only included 7 basic disorders. The condition that likely took his life? It wasn't even tested.  

What hurts deeply is this: we are an educated, working middle-class family. If we weren’t protected, what chance does a family in poverty have? Should a baby's chance of survival depend on what state they're born in—or whether their parents can afford better tests?  

We lost not one, but two babies in our family. And we don’t want anyone else to carry this grief, wondering what could have saved their child.  
 
That’s why I’m asking the Government of India to act—now.  
  
We urge you to: 
Implement **mandatory newborn screening** in every hospital across India  
Expand the panel to include **treatable metabolic and genetic conditions** (UCDs, organic acidemias, etc.)  
Provide screening **free or subsidized** for all families  
Ensure every parent receives **education and consent** before discharge  
Train hospitals and ASHA workers to raise awareness  
This isn’t just a medical issue. This is about equity.  
A child born in any part of India—rich or poor, rural or urban—deserves a fighting chance. We can’t bring our children back. But we can save thousands more.  

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YuvadheeranLivesOn💙  
#ScreenToSaveIndia 
#EveryTestMatters