A Paediatrician and Head of Child Health at the Manhyia District Hospital, Dr Gifty Amoakowaa Boakye Ansah, has appealed to the government, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to support the expansion of the hospital’s Mother and Baby Unit (MBU).
She explained that the increasing number of annual deliveries, particularly cases involving premature babies, had overstretched the facility, making expansion critical to ensuring adequate care and comfort for both mothers and their infants.
At a durbar to mark the World Prematurity Month at the forecourt of the hospital, Dr Boakye Ansah revealed a modest rise in premature births, noting a three per cent increase as of October 2025.
Providing statistics, she said that in 2024 the unit recorded 982 admissions, including 125 preterm babies, representing 14 per cent.
Eight infants died that year, translating into a mortality rate of 6.4 per cent.
As of October 2025, admissions had reached 1,011, with 153 preterm cases, representing 17 per cent of total admissions.
She said ten infants had died, representing a 6.5 per cent mortality rate.
Dr Boakye Ansah said the global observance of the day highlighted the urgent need for improved clinical, emotional, and logistical support for preterm infants and their parents.
She expressed concern that mothers and their babies continued to struggle with limited space and resources during their temporary stay at the unit.
Although hospital management was working to address these challenges, she stressed the importance of external support, commending the Kofi Job Foundation for recently donating incubators and warmers.
She, however, noted that additional assistance from other benevolent groups was required to ease the pressure on staff and improve service delivery.
She also pointed out that while the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covered many expenses for preterm infants, oxygen therapy remains a major cost burden for families, as it often requires out-of-pocket payments not covered by the scheme.
Dr Boakye Ansah further appealed to the government to post more permanent nurses to the unit, citing persistent staffing shortages.
She encouraged fathers of preterm infants to provide strong emotional support to their partners during such challenging periods.
The event also honoured several mothers who previously delivered preterm infants at the hospital and have since been discharged.
They received certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation.