Child born in 24 weeks at Jaffna hospital returns home after four months

A child born prematurely in 24 weeks and weighing 600 grams at birth at the Jaffna hospital returned home this week after a four month-long stay under the careful watch of a special medical team at the hospital.

A special medical team led by Consultant Neonatologist Dr Deepal Nawaratne at the Jaffna hospital was responsible for taking care of the child and the mother.

The mother from Point Pedro was admitted to Manthikai base hospital with pains but gave birth to the child inside the ambulance while she was being taken to Jaffna teaching hospital on October 27 last year. She was 24th week in her pregnancy.

After 97 days of inward treatment at the hospital, the mother and child returned home in good health condition.

A special medical team led by Consultant Neonatologist Dr Deepal Nawaratne took special care of the baby around the clock.

For a long time, the post of Child Life Specialist at Jaffna hospital remained vacant until Dr Navaratne was appointed recently.

Hospital staff remarked that this is the first time a prematurely born baby was sent home after recovering completely.

Meanwhile another premature baby born at 25th week of maternity is currently under observation of the special medical team and recovering healthy, according to hospital staff.

(By N.Lohathayalan ) 

Consultant Neonatologist Dr Deepal Nawaratne

The new-born baby