The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has commissioned a state of the art newborn unit for the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra, after almost ten decades of operating the facility without one.
The commissioning of the facility by the First Lady’s Rebecca Foundation adds to a number of similar and very timely interventions undertaken by her foundation in areas of mother and child health care provision across the country.
For years, care givers at the hospital have lamented the huge inadequacy they were confronted with at the mid-level and delivery stage of the conception chain due to the gaping lack of a newborn unit and its accompanying equipment.
The opening of the facility coincides with the 92nd anniversary celebration of the hospital which remains the first ever Children’s hospital in Ghana.
Built in 1926, the facility caters for the needs of maternal and child healthcare delivery in the country and is recognized for laying the foundation for integrated medical care for mothers and children.
In a brief address, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo said, “today we celebrate 92 years of this hospitals existence. It has been 92 years of ups and downs, as I imagine. Through it all many individuals have sacrificed and gone to great length to continuously take care of our precious children.
“We all know the numerous times this hospital has cried for help. And yet you have always persevered,” she noted.
The First lady, on behalf of the Rebecca Foundation, donated five Complete Delivery Systems, five advanced wound dressing materials and five pressure bed sheets.
Additionally, she donated ten gowns and 20 packs of diapers to the newborn unit.
She congratulated the board led by Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, management and staff of the facility on the outstanding show of professionalism that has become an enviable trademark of the Princess Marie Hospital.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the organizers, sponsors and individuals who have in diverse ways shown kindness and generosity, to put smiles on the faces of our children. With your financial and other material support,” the First Lady added.