Authorities at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital in the Western Region has urged government to provide the hospital with a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in order to provide adequate care for newborn babies in the municipality and beyond.

The current NICU, established in 2014, is unable to cope with the increasing number of newborns, leading to challenges in providing neonatal care.

Dr. Joseph Benjamin Baidoo, Assistant-in-Charge of the NICU, disclosed this during a donation event by the Tarkwa 'February Borns Family' (TFBF). The group contributed 200 bags of cement worth GH¢22,000 towards the construction of a new NICU block at the hospital.

Neonatal care is crucial for premature or sick infants, and the NICU offers specialized care for babies within the first 28 days of life.

Dr. Baidoo explained that the unit currently accommodates about four babies per cot, and the daily admission rate has increased from eight to approximately 20 newborns. However, there is only one incubator and one phototherapy machine available.

The planned construction project includes various sections such as a ward for babies, a preterm ward for premature infants, a neonatal ward, a breast milk expression room, a mothers' hostel, a nurses' rest area, consulting rooms, the head of department's office, and a conference room.

Dr. Baidoo emphasized that neonatal babies often face heart, stomach, or oxygen-related issues, requiring specialized care in the NICU. The new facility is expected to enhance neonatal care and provide better accommodation for mothers, fostering a conducive environment for breastfeeding.

“We need to save new born babies from dying. The vision is not about new babies alone, it’s a whole menu of care we provide here at the unit,” he explained.

Dr. Baidoo expressed concern over the current situation where one cot is responsible for accommodating two to four neonatal babies, highlighting the potential risks of infections and increased mortality rates in the NICU.

He emphasized the crucial role of incubators in providing necessary heat for preterm babies in the unit.

In line with the goal of enhancing neonatal care, the hospital established a project committee in November of the previous year, chaired by Nana Twum of Brenu Akyenem. The committee, which includes members such as the Apinto queen mother, Nana Abena Boaduwaa II, and other staff, aims to construct a new NICU facility in Tarkwa.

Mr. Stephen Affum, Senior Administrator of TFBF, commended the efforts to promote neonatal care in Tarkwa and encouraged all stakeholders and philanthropists to support this worthy cause.

“We are happy that a land had been secured for this noble NICU projects. Let’s support this worthy course for the future of neonatal care in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and be­yond,” he added.