Media Release

Mangalore, Dec 14: A photo therapy machine costing Rs 40,000 was donated to Wenlock Neo Natal ward by Mangalore Coastal Round Table 190, recently.

The machine will help prevent jaundice in infants. If an infant gets jaundice, it may result in many permanent disabilities like loss of hearing, other physical disabilities and even mental imbalance

Phototherapy (light therapy) is the most common medical treatment for jaundice in newborns. In most cases, phototherapy is the only treatment required. It consists of exposing an infant's skin to a special blue light, which breaks bilirubin down into parts that are easier to eliminate in the stool and urine. Treatment with phototherapy is successful for most infants, said Dr Shantaram Baliga, paediatrician.

In a hospital like Wenlock a single machine like the one donated will help around 150 children a year lead a normal life.

Dr Shantharam Baliga, professor and paediatritric department head, KMC, Dr Saroja, district surgeon, Dr Erappa, resident medical officer, members of Mangalore Coastal Round Table 190, chariman Arjun Pinto, vice chairman Ajith Pai Maroor, Deepak D’Souza, Kiran Sanghvi and Dan Sanctus were present.