India Neodesigns, a non-profit NGO of academia industry promoting innovative technology in neonatal health, in collaboration with Stanford University of Medicine and National Neonatology Forum of Tamilnadu presented a daylong conference to celebrate 60 years of Phototherapy on 1st August 2018 at Hotel Savera Chennai. 

This daylong conference showcased the inventions of different technology in maternal and neonatal health developed by Indian innovators in the forenoon session followed by a phototherapy CME and panel discussion along with stalwarts like Prof Vinod Bhutani from the Stanford University of Medicine and key doctors from South India. The key members of the panel are IAS officer Dr Darez Ahmed, Mission Director – NHM Tamilnadu, Dr Arun Kumar Singh, National Advisor – RBSK, Dr J Kumutha, NHM – Tamilnadu, Dr Rathinakumar, NHM – Tamilnadu and Mr. Sashi Kumar, Phoenix Medical Systems Chennai. 

It is fairly common for newborn babies to have mild jaundice, and the condition is usually resolved without any intervention. Sometimes, however, the jaundice is severe, and if it is not treated, it leads to a condition called kernicterus. In this condition, the brain of the baby is damaged by the high level of bilirubin in the blood. This can result in problems with hearing and vision and in intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy.

Fortunately, the treatment of this condition is simple. It requires exposing the skin of the baby to light, particularly blue light of a particular wavelength. This treatment is called Phototherapy. Phototherapy was discovered around 60 years back. Since then, this simple treatment has saved many babies from the ill effects of kernicterus. Phototherapy is so simple that it can be administered at home.

This daylong conference celebrated six decades of phototherapy. It was aimed at spreading awareness about the serious effects of kernicterus and the benefits of phototherapy and also aimed at promoting the health of newborn infants in general.

“This is a good platform where all practitioners, doctors, Neonatologists, scientists, engineers and solution providers meet. More platforms like these need to be provided and conferences like this need to happen frequently so that there are solutions to problems in real time.”  Said Dr Darez Ahmed, Mission Director – NHM Tamilnadu.