The first baby will be declared the `Millennium Baby' and will be gifted 10 sovereigns of gold besides a series of compliments like total free treatment and medicare for the baby and mother at the hospital for a year.

The scheme has been announced by the Medical Trust Hospital here in association with companies like M/s Johnson and Johnson Baby Care Products. The company will gift their entire range of baby care products for the millennium baby for a year.

Another co-sponsor of the scheme, the Toch Public School in the city has offered to give free kindergarten education to the baby for a year. An array of other gifts like a camera, toys, children's books and dresses also await the baby, Dr Varghese Pulickan, hospital director said.

The hospital sources said the baby's parents can also expect surprise giftsincluding free birthday celebration of the baby in a leading hotel.

Dr Pulickan said special arrangements would be made at the hospital for the baby's birth. The services of the gynaecology, obstetrics and paediatrics departments of the hospital would be available round the clock and special labour rooms would be set up for welcoming the babies of the new millennium.