The Eastern Regional Health Director,
Dr. Winfred Ofosu says the construction of ultra-modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by Kabaka Foundation,a nonprofit organization will enhance the capacity of Eastern Regional hospital in Koforidua to save more lives of preterm babies in the region.
The Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua (ERHK) recorded 138 preterm mortalities in 2020.
The figure reduced to 109 in 2021 but increased steadily to 118 preterm deaths in 2022.
In September 2023, Kabaka Foundation commissioned and handed over to Management of Eastern Regional Hospital, an ultra modern NICU facility which consists of four sub-units: the Yaa Boatemma Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kangaroo Mother Care Excellence Unit and Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III Mother and Baby Centre, all with a total number of 70 beds and a mother hostel sub-unit with 30 beds.
The facility also has children’s ward, Outpatient Department (OPD), consulting rooms, conference rooms, high dependency ward, low dependency ward, an additional mother’s hostel, stable patient ward, isolation ward, standard OPD and emergency ward among others.
The construction was funded by the Kabaka Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by the Nkosuohene (development chief) of Nkwatia-Kwahu, Nana Owiredu Wadie I at the cost of Ghc6million and furnished with additional Ghc1million .
The facility is to help reduced neonatal mortality in the region.
Speaking at the launch of the Prematurity Month observed globally in November, Dr.Winfred Ofosu underscored the critical role of such improved facilities and technologies in providing optimal care for babies born prematurely to save their lives.
Dr. Winfred Ofosu, also emphasized the importance of raising awareness about preterm babies to dispel misconceptions that label such infants as witches, fostering a belief that they should not live.
Dr. Francis Mensah Akwetey, a Paediatrician at the Eastern Regional Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s endeavors to tackle preterm mortality and the promising results achieved.
Dr. Akwetey explained that challenges such as poor road networks and inadequate ambulances contribute to families transporting preterm babies in taxis, endangering the infants’ conditions.
The hospital’s focus on technology and optimal care aligns with the “Making Every Baby Count Initiative” (MECI II) project.
Preterm birth, defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed, remains a global concern.
As part of World Prematurity Awareness Month in November, the Eastern Regional Hospital is hosting the national launch, aligning with the global theme, “Small Actions BIG IMPACT: Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every Baby Everywhere.”
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
