Effiduase Government Hospital is grappling with a 10% rate of neonatal jaundice cases, with only one functioning phototherapy machine, and improvised methods risking the treatment and lives of patients.

Neonatal jaundice when left untreated can lead to serious complications including cerebral palsy and mental retardation of patients.

As an intervention, an NGO, Redeeming Hands Foundation, has provided the hospital with its first-ever firefly phototherapy machine valued at 62 thousand Ghana Cedis.

Jaundice in newborns is a common condition in up to 60% of full-term babies during their first week of life, and 80% of premature babies during their first week of life.

The medical condition occurs when their livers are not developed enough to get rid of the buildup of bilirubin in the baby's blood.

The Effiduase Government Hospital has an improvised solution which prolongs hospital stays for the number of babies born with the condition.

An improvised phototherapy device built with a wooden framework and three defective UV bulbs is the hope for treating Neonatal jaundice in the hospital.

In the absence of proper eye shields, nurses use nose masks as a protective measure to cover the eyes of newborns during phototherapy sessions.

The situation not only underscores the inadequacy of required medical technology but also, a major life risk for newborn babies battling Neonatal jaundice.

Clinical Coordinator for the Effiduase Government Hospital, Dr Mercy Asare says the situation compels her to refer patients.

“The consequences make babies a burden to society. Previously with just one machine, we didn't have a choice but to refer which many others are not so happy with because they can't go. So with this machine here, we will be able to manage the conditions without stress,” she said.

Dr Asare was therefore elated when Redeeming Hands Foundation, an NGO came to their aid with a Firefly Phototherapy Machine.
It promises a quick intervention to clear jaundice conditions in babies.

President of Redeeming Hands Foundation, Wendy Boatemaa Ofori, says the device will provide a timely and effective treatment of neonatal jaundice.

“God being so good KGL funded us in getting funds to acquire this. Looking at the detrimental effects, it is only fair for us as an organisation to contribute to saving lives. This is a timely intervention for all babies,” she said.

District Health Director for the Sekyere East District, Dr Ofori Amoah, said the intervention will help reduce the cost of treatment for babies with neonatal jaundice.

“This is the first machine to come to the district. We are more than happy and grateful. This will reduce cost burdens on families who are struggling to support their jaundice babies,” he said.