Faulty radiant warmer poses life-threatening risk to preterm babies at Atonsu Agogo Hospital

A critical healthcare crisis is unfolding at the Maternity Block Unit of the Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital, where the only functioning radiant warmer for preterm babies has been broken for three weeks, endangering the lives of vulnerable newborns.

The radiant warmer, which had served the facility for over a decade, developed a fault approximately three weeks ago, leaving medical staff struggling to provide adequate care for premature infants.

Unsafe Conditions

Dr. Rita Fosu Yeboah, the facility’s in-charge, described the situation as deeply worrying and life-threatening. She revealed that due to the absence of a fully functioning warmer, health workers have been forced to place more than three preterm babies under a single unit—an arrangement she emphasized is both unsafe and medically unacceptable.

Radiant warmers are essential for maintaining the body temperature of premature infants, whose underdeveloped systems make them highly susceptible to hypothermia and related complications. The current situation, Dr. Yeboah warned, significantly increases the risk of morbidity and mortality among newborns.

Donation Exercise Highlights Crisis

The gravity of the situation came to light during a donation exercise organized by Kumasi Hospital in collaboration with Quality Foam, which presented fifteen mattresses and a cash donation to support the maternity block.

Speaking at the event, the CEO of Kumasi Hospital, Dr. Samuel Krong Asante, called on the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently prioritise the development of the Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital. He noted that the facility serves a large and growing population within the Kumasi metropolis and must be adequately resourced.

Dr. Asante stressed that the malfunctioning radiant warmer, coupled with other infrastructural and logistical challenges, has placed the maternity unit under immense pressure, compromising the quality of care.

Private Sector Appeal

The CEO of Quality Foam, Anis Anthony Jawhary, expressed concern over the general state of healthcare facilities in the country. He reiterated his company’s commitment to supporting health institutions through corporate social responsibility but emphasised the need for sustained government intervention.

He called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to address persistent challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal and neonatal care.

Urgent Appeal

The Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital regularly records over 500 maternity cases, making it a critical healthcare provider in the area. However, the lack of essential equipment and aging infrastructure continue to undermine its ability to deliver safe and efficient services.

Healthcare professionals at the facility are now appealing for urgent support to repair or replace the faulty radiant warmer and provide additional neonatal equipment to safeguard the lives of preterm babies.