37 Military Hospital receives neonatal ventilators
The Paediatric Unit of the 37 Military Hospital yesterday received two neonatal ventilators and ancillaries for preserving the lives of newborn babies during their first 28 days.
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They will also provide life support for patients, especially children with respiratory problems who cannot breathe.
The equipment, valued at $120,000, was funded by the Japanese Government through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Scheme (GAGHSPS). It was also provided in response to a Daily Graphic report in 2013 about the lack of neonatal equipment at the unit, for which reason the lives of some babies could not be saved.
How the machine works
Explaining how the machine works, the Managing Director of the Engisys, the company responsible for the installation and maintenance of the equipment, Nana Yaw Appiah, said the machines had appropriate sensors to monitor and support the provision of ventilation for all patients.
“The Servo-i ventilators provide breathing support to newborn babies who cannot breathe as a result of respiratory diseases and other complications,” he explained.
Mr Appiah also indicated that the machine was user-friendly and had easy-to-monitor features.
Japanese Ambassador
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Naoto Nikai, said the Japanese Government was committed to assisting Ghana to meet its development goals, adding that the donation of the equipment was in line with that commitment.
He called on the management and staff of the hospital to take good care of the facility.
The Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Col Ralph Ametepi, thanked the donor and called on corporate bodies to emulate the Japanese Government.
He, however, appealed to the Japanese Embassy to help train some staff of the hospital on the use and maintenance of the equipment.
The lifespan of the machine is 30 years if it is well maintained.
