Atonsu Agogo Hospital MBU in crisis as decade-old radiant warmer breaks down, endangering preterm babies

Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital MBU is facing a critical crisis following the breakdown of its only long-serving radiant warmer. The equipment developed a fault three weeks ago, severely affecting healthcare delivery. According to the facility's in-charge, Dr. Rita Fosu Yeboah, the situation has compelled health workers to place more than three preterm babies under a single radiant warmer, an unsafe and medically unacceptable practice.

The challenges came to light during a donation exercise by Kumasi Hospital in collaboration with Quality Foam, who presented fifteen mattresses and a cash donation to the hospital's maternity block. The Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital records over 500 maternity cases regularly. Dr. Samuel Krong Asante, the Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Hospital, called on authorities to prioritize the development of the Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital, noting its critical role in serving a large population. He stated, "We donated mattresses to address the issue of worn-out bedding in the unit and provided some financial support to assist operations. However, this is not enough. We intend to return with further assistance, and we urge other organizations to also come to their aid."

Anis Anthony Jawhary, the CEO of Quality Foam, also expressed concern over the general state of healthcare facilities in Ghana. He noted, "Having lived in Ghana since my childhood, one persistent issue I have observed is the poor state of our health facilities. While we continue to support where we can, the government must take the lead in addressing these challenges."