Health professionals need to be equipped more to meet global standards – Rebecca Akufo-Addo

The Rebecca Akufo-Addo Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (RA-PICU) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has marked its fifth anniversary with a celebration highlighting its achievements, challenges, and future aspirations.

The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, emphasized the need for meticulous planning to enhance healthcare quality and ensure the training of health professionals aligns with global standards in service delivery.

She made this appeal during a virtual solidarity message as part of the celebration at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on November 22, 2024.

The anniversary, themed "Making a difference, one little life at a time," provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the PICU's five-year journey, share insights through speeches and messages, and outline strategies for future progress.

The event, held under the distinguished patronage of Dr. Harry Koto, Chairman of the ceremony, featured Nana Asamoah Sompah, representing Nana Kwasi Opoku Minta II (Twafohene of the Kwai Traditional Area), as the special guest of honour.

Other notable attendees included Nii Laryea, Korle Bu Akwashongtse, the Acting CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and a host of heads of departments led by the Director of Nursing Services, Rev. Dr. Felix Open.

The acting head of the PICU, Dr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Awutey, expressed gratitude and pride in the unit's journey, reflecting on its humble beginnings and significant milestones.

"We started from what seemed like an uncertain path, but with hope and perseverance, we have made tremendous strides. Today, we celebrate saving over 1,000 critically ill children, with survival rates exceeding 60%, including those on life support," he said.

The RA-PICU, the largest pediatric critical care unit in the subregion, has become a beacon of hope for children with life-threatening conditions.

The unit provides specialized care for children with severe conditions affecting the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, intestines, and more. Patients are referred from various departments within Korle Bu and from other hospitals across Ghana and internationally.

AM/KA

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