Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, have been awarded the prestigious Level III-B accreditation for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF). This is the highest level of accreditation granted to NICUs in India and recognizes outstanding care for critically ill and premature infants. Only 15 hospitals across the country have received this distinction, placing Kasturba Hospital in an elite group. Level III-B accreditation is granted following a comprehensive evaluation of a facility’s infrastructure, medical personnel, equipment, and clinical protocols. This ensures that NICUs meet the highest standards necessary to care for newborns with critical health conditions, particularly those born prematurely. Of the nearly 250 accredited NICUs in India, Kasturba Hospital’s NICU stands out as the first teaching medical college hospital in Karnataka and the second in the state to receive this prestigious recognition. The NICU at Kasturba Hospital, led by Dr. (Surg VAdm Retd) Sheila S Mathai, Professor and Head of the Department of Neonatology, has a 42-bed capacity and is equipped with advanced technology to provide specialized care for critically ill and premature infants, including those born as early as 24 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 500 grams. The NICU team consists of six neonatal consultants and 55 specially trained nurses, all dedicated to providing high-quality care. The NICU’s consistent achievement of excellent clinical outcomes for these vulnerable patients has reinforced its reputation as a center of excellence in neonatal care. Kasturba Hospital also houses the Manipal Matri Amrit Milk Bank, the first human milk bank in Udupi District, which provides essential nutrition for vulnerable newborns, further supporting their recovery and growth. The Department of Neonatology at Kasturba Hospital is accredited by the National Medical Council to offer a DM Neonatology program, which accepts three students annually. This program plays a critical role in advancing neonatal healthcare by training future neonatologists and contributing to the continued improvement of neonatal care in India. The NICU benefits from the support of several specialized medical departments, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric Surgery, Fetal Medicine, Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology, and more. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that neonates with complex conditions receive holistic care tailored to their specific needs. In addition, the hospital operates a High-Risk Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Clinic, which provides long-term support to infants who have had prolonged stays in the NICU, helping to ensure the best possible neurodevelopmental outcomes. At the formal accreditation ceremony, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), praised the hospital’s achievement. He highlighted that Kasturba Hospital is the first teaching hospital in Karnataka to receive this accreditation, joining an exclusive group of just 15 hospitals across India. “This accreditation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our youngest patients,” Dr. Venkatesh said. “It underscores the dedication and hard work of our medical staff, who continue to set new benchmarks in neonatal care.” Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare. “Achieving Level III-B accreditation is not just a recognition but also a responsibility. It inspires us to enhance our services and ensure that our neonatal care remains at the forefront of medical excellence,” Dr. Rao stated. Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the hospital staff in achieving this milestone. “This achievement is a result of the teamwork and dedication of our doctors, nurses, and support staff. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has made this possible,” he said. Dr. Sheila Samanta Mathai, who has played a pivotal role in leading the NICU to this recognition, expressed her gratitude for the award. “I am deeply honored by this recognition from the National Neonatology Forum. It reflects the high standards we maintain in our neonatal unit and motivates us to continue delivering the best possible care to our patients,” Dr. Mathai said. The NICU’s advanced technology, dedicated team, and outstanding clinical outcomes have made Kasturba Hospital a leader in neonatal care, and this Level III-B accreditation further reinforces its standing. With the support of MAHE and the continued dedication of its medical staff, the hospital remains committed to providing world-class care for the most vulnerable patients and advancing neonatal healthcare in India.