District Child Protection Unit Installs Cradle Baby Points at various PHCs, UPHCs and Hospitals of Gangtok Districts ,04-05-2026
The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Gangtok, Mission Vatsalya Scheme under Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of newborn babies in Gangtok District by installing Cradle Baby Points in various hospitals in the district in collaboration with Health Department, Government of Sikkim.
The Cradle Baby Points named as “Cradle of Hope”, a safe and secure place for mothers to anonymously leave their newborn babies, aims to prevent infant abandonment and provide a supportive environment for mothers in distress. The installation of these points is part of the DCPU's efforts to promote child protection and welfare.
The District Child Protection Officer, Gangtok highlighted the importance of having the Cradle Baby Point in the Hospital premises and said that "We hope this initiative will help reduce infant abandonment and promote a culture of care and compassion. The Cradle Baby Points will provide a safe haven for mothers who may be facing difficult circumstances and are unable to care for their babies,"
The Cradle Baby Point have been setup in alignment with Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 basically to save the new born babies who are dumped in garbage and bushes after their birth. A cradle provides safe and secure space to the new born and also offers a way for unwed mothers and parents who are unable to take care of child to surrender a baby without disclosing their identity. The baby in the cradle (if placed) shall be examined by the hospital and then relocated to nearest Specialized Adoption Agencies for further process of Adoption. Hence, this initiative shall encourage the legal Adoption as per the law.
The hospitals where the Cradle Baby Points have been installed include:
• Singtam District Hospital, Singtam
• Khamdong Health Welness Centre- Sub- Centre
• Gangtok Urban PHC
• Central Referral Hospital, Manipal
• Ranipool Urban PHC
The DCPU has also conducted awareness programs for hospital staff and the public on the importance of child protection and the use of Cradle Baby Points and Legal Adoption Process under relevant Acts.
