Rotary-Funded Newly Equipped NICU Brings New Hope to Preterm Newborns at UG Hospital
The University Health Services has commemorated World Prematurity Day with the commissioning of a newly equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fully furnished with state-of-the-art medical equipment, made possible through the Rotary Clubs of Accra Legon East in collaboration with Rotary Club Pocatello, Idaho, USA.
The kind gesture highlights the global and national urgency of promoting awareness on prematurity, strengthening neonatal care systems and ensuring that every newborn has an equal chance at survival.
The newly commissioned NICU has been stocked with a wide range of modern neonatal equipment, including radiant warmers, incubators, firefly machines and phototherapy equipment. The rest are variable suction pipes, suction machines, vital signs monitors, cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, resuscitation kits, ward trolleys, emergency trolleys, a refrigerator and several additional support devices.
Chairing the event, Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah asserted that Prematurity Awareness Month is a call to intensify efforts to protect the most vulnerable infants. She reflected on the history of paediatric advancement at the UG hospital, noting that the recruitment of two paediatric specialists in 1997 marked a turning point in expanding the scope and quality of newborn care at the facility.
‘‘This year’s observance, combined with the commissioning of a fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), represents another major milestone in the hospital’s growth and commitment to child health,’ she added.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nana Okai Brako, a preterm survivor, disclosed that globally, an estimated 18.4 million babies are born prematurely each year, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened neonatal care systems. He expressed deep appreciation to the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East and its partners for their substantial donation towards the project.
He called for renewed collective commitment, stronger partnerships, technological advancement, better policies and improved healthcare systems.
Handing over the facility, the President-Elect of Rotary Clubs of Accra Legon East, Mr. Emmanuel Sessou explained, ‘we’ve done this project in three phases over the last six years. The first part was repairing the existing structure, the second part was constructing a new wing at the Unit and the final part is equipping the Unit with modern equipment with support from Global Grants and Pocatello, USA.’
He disclosed that the total investment cost for the entire project is approximately $150,000.
Mr. Sessou also announced that the Club has committed to maintain the project for the next two years while urging the hospital management to develop a long-term strategy to ensure sustainability beyond the initial maintenance period.
The Director of the University Health Services Directorate, Dr. Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti, filled with excitement, noted that UG hospital will now be able to provide timely and specialised care for preterm babies.
‘This refurbished facility stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to improving healthcare outcomes,’’ she noted.
Some mothers of preterm babies who were present at the event, shared their experiences while commending the highly skilled medical team from the NICU. The mothers were presented with souvenirs in recognition of their resilience, strength and advocacy.
