Kozhikode (Keralam) | A seven-day-old baby girl was named Nethra after she was received at the 'Ammathottil' at the Government Beach Hospital here on World Sight Day, officials said on Friday.

Ammathottil (mother's cradle) is an automated electronic baby cradle initiative launched by the Keralam government and run by the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare to provide a safe and confidential alternative to unsafe child abandonment.

The alarm at the cradle went off at around 5.30 pm on Thursday, following which hospital staff rushed to the spot and found the infant, officials said.

According to officials, the baby, weighing 2.89 kg, is the 12th child to be received at the Kozhikode Ammathottil this year.

An official said two people were seen approaching the cradle and leaving after placing the baby inside. Their identities and relationship with each other could not be established, they said.

The cradle has a button near its closed door. Pressing it triggers an alarm, alerting hospital staff, who then attend to the infant.

The door automatically locks after those who brought the baby step outside.

The child was named Nethra as she arrived on World Sight Day, observed to raise awareness about vision and eye health, officials said.

The Ammathottil initiative provides a safe refuge for infants who might otherwise be abandoned, ensuring they receive care and protection, officials added.