Kumasi South Gov’t Hospital faces Neonatal crisis as only Radiant Warmer breaks down
The Maternity Block Unit (MBU) of the Kumasi South Gov’t Hospital has been plunged into a critical healthcare crisis following the breakdown of its only radiant warmer—an essential neonatal device crucial for the survival of preterm babies.
The situation, which has persisted for about three weeks, has severely disrupted healthcare delivery at the facility, leaving medical staff grappling with how to provide adequate care for vulnerable newborns.
Speaking during a donation exercise held on Monday, April 19, 2026, the in-charge of the facility, Dr. Rita Fosu Yeboah, described the development as alarming and life-threatening.
“This situation is deeply worrying and poses a serious threat to the lives of our preterm babies. In the absence of a functioning radiant warmer, we are forced to place more than three babies under a single unit, which is both unsafe and medically unacceptable,” she said.
Dr. Yeboah explained that radiant warmers are vital in regulating the body temperature of premature infants, whose fragile systems make them highly susceptible to hypothermia and other complications.
“Without adequate thermal support, these babies are at a significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The current situation is not only challenging but dangerous,” she added.
The gravity of the crisis came to the fore during the donation exercise organized by Kumasi Hospital in collaboration with Quality Foam, aimed at supporting the maternity block. The team donated fifteen mattresses and made a cash contribution to help improve conditions at the facility.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Hospital, Dr. Samuel Krong Asante, called on government and stakeholders to urgently prioritize the development of the hospital.
“This facility serves a large and growing population within the Kumasi metropolis, and it is imperative that it is adequately resourced to meet the increasing healthcare demands,” he stated.
He noted that the malfunctioning radiant warmer, coupled with other infrastructural and logistical challenges, has placed immense pressure on the maternity unit.
“The lack of essential equipment is compromising the quality of care we are able to deliver. We need urgent investment in modern medical equipment and an upgrade of existing infrastructure to support our healthcare workers,” Dr. Asante emphasized.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Quality Foam, Anis Anthony Jawhary, expressed concern about the general state of healthcare facilities in the country and stressed the need for sustained intervention.
“While we remain committed to supporting health institutions through our corporate social responsibility initiatives, there is a pressing need for stronger government involvement,” he noted.
“We must deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the persistent challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system, especially in maternal and neonatal care,” he added.
The Atonsu Agogo Government Hospital handles over 500 maternity cases regularly, making it a vital healthcare provider in the Kumasi area. However, the lack of essential equipment and aging infrastructure continues 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 to provide additional neonatal equipment to safeguard the lives of preterm babies.
The situation highlights broader systemic challenges facing many health facilities across the country and underscores the urgent need for strategic investment in healthcare infrastructure to protect the most vulnerable.
Source: Ghana/otecmfghana.com
