By Chiemelie Ezeobi
When baby Janaelle Erhiga-Efenarhua, was born a month ago, precisely on December 29, 2012, the parents gladly welcomed their bundle of joy with thanks in their heart. However, barely two weeks after her birth, her parents have been thrown into anguish and pain. Their baby was born with a defect; she has two holes in the heart.
After weeks of turmoil and uncertainty, the doctors said baby Jana needs about N7M which includes the cost of the corrective surgery, accommodation and flight tickets for the baby in an Indian Hospital.
Speaking to THISDAY, Mrs. Erhiga narrated how her greatest joy turned to her greatest nightmare. She said, "I gave birth to my bundle of joy on December 29, 2012, but two week after, I noticed that she was making noting noises.
"I was wondering at the noise when I noticed that she was running temperature and then she started throwing up. She stopped sucking breast too.
"Naturally, I was worried and I took her to Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, where she was first diagnosed with Meningitis because her neck was going backwards.
"They did a lumbar swab and discovered it wasn't meningitis. Then they diagnosed pneumonia and later malaria. They changed their mind when they did a chest x-ray."
With the x-ray, it was discovered that Jana had not just one but two holes in the heart. She was first placed on oxygen for 10days before they were referred to University of Benin Teaching Hospital for further consultations.
She said when her baby was diagnosed with the transposition of the aorta and the pulmonary artery and the two holes in the heart that is compatible to life, was when she knew what she was dealing with.
At UBTH, she was told after series of test that her baby would be transferred to India for the corrective surgery. As hope grew, it was almost dimmed by the cost of the treatment. However,the family has decided to appeal to public spirited individuals to assist their cause and save baby Jana.
She said, "A friend gave me a second option by inviting me to St. Luke's Hospital in Asaba. The state government had invited some Indian consultants for free medical rhapsodies. I went and was told by the doctors to come to India since they didn't come with their equipments .
"That is why I am appealing to Nigerians to save the life of my daughter. The sum of 25,000 dollars would be needed for the treatment. However, this does not cover the cost of transportation and accommodation.
"She will be in the hospital for 21 days for the surgery after which we'll spend another 10 days in a rented apartment for 40 dollars a day where her progress would be monitored."
Mrs. Erhiga said they have been able to raise the sum of N2M only as against mother needed N7M, adding that the doctors have urged them to be fast as her daughter's case is so complex that it needs prompt attention.
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