Luweero Hospital in Uganda has recently unveiled a refurbished neonatal intensive care unit equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The upgraded unit, commissioned on January 24, 2024, is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing stillbirths by at least 50 percent.
The new neonatal intensive care unit is designed to accommodate up to 30 babies simultaneously, featuring essential equipment such as baby warmers, kangaroo chairs, baby coats, and oxygen concentrators. This significant improvement addresses the challenges faced by the previous facility, where five babies shared a single bed, posing risks of infection spread.
Dr. Gloria Nakalema, a paediatrician at the hospital, emphasized the importance of the upgraded unit in managing emergency procedures for newborns safely. The risks associated with infants sharing beds, including the potential spread of infections, are now mitigated.
The construction of the neonatal intensive care unit, valued at Shs200m, was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and the ADARA Group. The facility is expected to reduce costs previously incurred when referring newborns to distant hospitals in Nakaseke District.
According to Dr. Stephen Mageera, the medical superintendent of Luweero Hospital, the upgraded unit will significantly cut down on expenses related to referrals to Kiwoko and Nakaseke hospitals, located 14km and 25km away, respectively.
Luweero Hospital, handling between 350 and 370 deliveries monthly, has seen 435 babies receiving neonatal care services in the past six months. With an average outpatient turnout of 300 per day, the new facility is crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of the community.
ADARA Group’s CEO, Ms. Madeline Vanghan, highlighted the partnership’s goal to enhance health service delivery. The plan includes establishing more neonatal intensive care units across different hospitals in Uganda. The facility remodeling and equipment upgrades aim to provide sustainable critical care for newborns.
Erasto Kibirango, the Luweero District chairperson, expressed optimism about the positive impact of the new facilities on the healthcare system and service delivery in the area.
