Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare in Tarkwa and its environs with the construction of a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital
The facility which was initially budgeted to be $400,000 has now been expanded, which has increased the cost to $600,000
This significant expansion from the initial $400,000 budget, to $600,000 underscores the mining giant’s dedication to community development and sustainable healthcare.
The NICU project, expected to be completed by March 2025, is the first of its kind in the Western Region.
Facilities in the project include; neonatal wards, a kangaroo room, breastfeeding centers, a milk expression area, a pharmacy, a laboratory, consulting rooms, changing rooms for for nurses and doctors, an oxygen room among others.
These facilities are designed to ensure that newborns receive optimal care in a single, well-equipped location.
During an inspection of the facility by key stakeholders, including the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Health Director, representatives from AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd, staff of the Municipal Hospital and media representatives, Anglogold Ashanti’s Senior Manager in charge of Sustainability, Mr. Stephen Adjei, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress and additional features.
“I am excited about how far we have come with this project. Initially, some facilities like the doctors’ changing rooms, the oxygen room, and the lab were not part of the plan, but with the expansion, they have been included to ensure comprehensive service delivery “Despite the increased costs, we are determined to deliver a well-furnished facility by March to benefit the community.” he noted.
Anglogold Ashanti has also committed to ensuring the project’s long-term viability by advocating for proper management of the facility.
“Our only concern remains the effective management of this state-of-the-art facility to maximize its impact,” Mr. Adjei emphasized.
The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Director, Madam Wilhelmina Tiwaa lauded Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd for their commitment towards healthcare in their host communities.
She noted that; “This facility is a game-changer. It is a one-stop shop for all neonatal needs, from pharmaceuticals to specialized care. Such an advanced NICU does not exist anywhere else in the region,”
The Health Director was elated that the mining company agreed to make and expansion by adding some other facilities which were not part of the contract initially.
“Sometimes when we finish signing contracts and there inputs as we go on the site, sometimes it is very difficult for the company make amendments. But we can see that even though it came with an additional cost, they’ve really looked at all the additions to add. So we also say that we are grateful to the company, for all the support that we have been getting from them”, she stated.
The project committee and stakeholders are optimistic that the NICU will be commissioned in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in Anglogold Ashanti’s contributions to the healthcare sector in Ghana.
Source: myinfotoday.com
