THREE Zimbabwean hospitals have received phototherapy equipment used for jaundice management from Pharmaceutical and Chemical Distributors (PCD) Diagnostics representing Drager with Harare Central Hospital getting two.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
Drager is a German company that specializes mostly in thermoregulations and jaundice management, anesthesia workstations, medical gas management systems, ventilation and respiratory monitoring as well as medical lights and video systems.
Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Mpilo Hospital and Chinhoyi Provincial Hospitals will be given the remainder.
Health Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo officiating the handover ceremony of the equipment and medicines from New Avakash said the machines arrival coincide with Government’s effort in dealing with neonatal care.
“I want to appreciate the donations being handed over to the ministry from Drager through PCD. Their donation of six Phototherapy Jaundice 4000 Management machines comes at a time when the government of Zimbabwe made meaningful strides in neonatal care.
“This machine as was being explained is recommended as highly effective piece of pediatric equipment for use in the control of Birilubin,” he said.
PCD Diagnostics Managing Director Mr John Maseko said they hope the machines worth over US$11 300 will be used to control jaundice affecting new born babies.
“On behalf of Drager, and PCD Diagnostics we are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Health in improving peaediatric health in Zimbabwe and also confident that phototherapy lights we are donating to Harare Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Mpilo Hospital, Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital will go a long way towards thermoregulation and jaundice management for all newly born babies in Zimbabwe.
“The donated equipment is valued at a total of €10 000 (USD 11,309.00) and we are confident that the phototherapy lights will be used appropriately by the hospitals for the benefit of the public in jaundice management in babies,” he said.
Head of Paediatrics at the Hospital Dr Vongai Dondo explained that the machine help in monitoring birilubin levels in new born babies.
“Jaundice affects the new born especially in the first two weeks of life. If its very high it can go straight to the brain. So we don’t want that to happen. That is when we put them under phototherapy.
“They will be naked so we cover their eyes, we cover their diaper area then we will be measuring and checking the birilubin level until it gets down to lower levels. Birilubin is the one that gives the yellowish discolouration,” she said.
She also said the hospital needs about 10 of these machines given the overwhelming numbers of patients seeking jaundice management.
Meanwhile, New Avakash donated US$80 000 worth of medicines for Cyclone Idai relief.
