Karachi: In a significant boost for newborn care, Civil Hospital Karachi has installed a modern bilirubin meter in its pediatric ward, allowing doctors to diagnose jaundice within seconds without drawing blood. The device, being used for the first time in a government hospital, gives an instant reading when placed on a baby’s skin, replacing a process that previously required a blood sample and hours of waiting.
Prof. Iqbal Memon said parents often faced long delays because conventional bilirubin tests were processed slowly in crowded public hospitals. “Now the diagnosis is immediate. The device sits on the baby’s skin and the bilirubin level appears instantly,” he said, adding that the technology will help doctors identify jaundice early and start treatment without losing critical time.
Pediatricians said rapid detection is vital because high bilirubin levels can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Most newborns with jaundice respond well to phototherapy, but delayed diagnosis has been a recurring challenge in public-sector facilities.
Doctors believe the new meter will reduce unnecessary discomfort for newborns, cut the cost of repeated blood tests and spare families long hours in waiting areas. They say early identification and quick intervention could significantly improve outcomes for vulnerable babies across the hospital.