Ghana needs a national policy to examine the hearing condition of all newborns in the country, Dr Jacob Abebrese, an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon said on Monday.

With that policy, Dr Abebrese, the Medical Director, and Chief Executive Officer of the Sunyani-based DK Abebrese Memorial Medical Center, said the Ghana Health Service (GHS) would be empowered to screen, identify and provide services to babies with hearing impairment.

In an interview with Sompa FM in Sunyani, Dr Abebrese expressed worry about the growing cases of children with ear conditions and hearing impairments, basically, due to negligence of many parents.

"That is why we must get a policy framework that will empower the GHS to screen and assess the hearing condition of all babies so that if there is an impairment, then we can correct it at the stage", he stated.

Dr Abebrese, also a Former Medical Director of the then Sunyani Regional Hospital spoke to Sompa FM when he unveiled a bust erected to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of his late father, DK Abebrese at the premises of hospital at Adjei-Ano in the Sunyani Municipality.

Dr Abebrese, said he had worked for the GHS for over 30 years, until his retirement, and added orthodox medicines remained the best option for particularly pregnant women, and advised them to visit antenatal clinics regularly, and avoid the use of herbal drugs.

He said snoring was also a serious problem and had health implications, and advised snoring patients to also seek medical care and management.

Sompaonline.com/K.Peprah