In line with the sustainable development goals on quality and affordable healthcare delivery, the Nkosuohene of Kwahu Nkwatia and the Chairman of the Kabaka Foundation, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, has constructed an ultra-modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Complex at the Eastern Regional Hospital.
The aim of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) project was to prevent neonatal and infant mortality in the region.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the newly constructed multipurpose Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, said the idea for constructing the building was to improve the health condition of babies and young children.
Touching on the essence of the facility, the Kwahu-Nkwatia Development chief asserted that the project, which has been named after the Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, would help save lives of new born babies at the hospital.
Nana Owiredu Wadie I continued that the multipurpose facility would also help attend and manage resuscitation of the pre-term and full-term infants.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, on his part expressed his deepest appreciation to Nana Owiredu Wadie I for his generosity, and commitment to the welfare of the community.
He also acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the Medical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital and his team, for their unflinching support and commitment towards the completion of the important project.
Mr Seth Acheampong explained that the NICU complex represents a beacon of light for the region’s future, a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organisations come together with a common purpose to save and improve the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
“The Eastern Region of Ghana, like many other parts of our great nation, has faced its share of challenges, especially in healthcare delivery. Our neonatal care facilities have been stretched to their limits, often unable to provide the level of care that our newborns deserve”, he stressed.
He further asserted that “It is a fact that, in the past, we have lost too many precious lives. We cannot stand by and let this continue,’’ Mr Seth Acheampong bemoaned.
The Eastern Regional Minister opined that the Nana Akufo-Addo led government places much emphasis on the health sector and appreciates the support and collaboration with Non-Profit Organisations such as the Kabaka Foundation.
Mr. Seth Acheampong promised that the government would continue to invest in capital projects through the construction, upgrading and equipping of hospitals and polyclinics in all the regions in the country, to enable everyone everywhere access quality health care without financial difficulties.
On behalf of the hospital authorities, Mr. Seth Acheampong pledged to take on the responsibility of maintaining and operating the facility to the highest standards, adding that the healthcare professionals will ensure that the care provided is nothing short of excellence.
Dr Ebo Hammond, Director of Health Administration and Support Services Division, Ghana Health Service (GHS), said that the multipurpose Neonatal Intensive Care Unit would offer a nurturing environment for healing and growth of the well-being of the infants.
The Director of Health Administration and Support Services Division, Ghana Health Service (GHS), argued that the commissioning of the project represents a significant step towards delivery of healthcare.
Dr Ebo Hammond revealed that the hospital would receive an oxygen plant to help reduce oxygen needs in the region.
The ceremony was attended by some prominent traditional leaders in the region including Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Akwamumanhene, Daasebre Kwaku Benteng III, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Council.
Others include Rev Josephine Nyarko, Dr. Ebo Hammond, Eastern Regional Minister and health practitioners in the region.
