We want extra properly geared up neonatal care unit for preterm young children – Dr Nawaane – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

We want extra properly geared up neonatal care unit for preterm young children – Dr. Nawaane – Life Pulse Daily highlights a critical call for action to address neonatal mortality in Ghana. Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, recently emphasized the urgent need for well-equipped neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) nationwide. His advocacy focuses on integrating modern medical technology, adequate funding, and health insurance reforms to ensure preterm infants have access to life-saving care.

Analysis

Why Ghana Needs Better-Equipped NICUs

Dr. Nawaane’s remarks underscore the dire state of neonatal care in Ghana, where preterm birth complications remain a leading cause of infant mortality. Modern NICUs are essential for monitoring fragile newborns, managing respiratory distress, and preventing infections. Without advanced incubators, ventilators, and trained staff, existing facilities struggle to meet basic neonatal care standards.

Financial Barriers and Health Insurance Gaps

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) currently excludes many critical neonatal services, leaving families to bear out-of-pocket costs. Dr. Nawaane criticized the NHIA’s inadequate tariff policies, which penalize hospitals providing NICU care under the scheme. This creates a vicious cycle: facilities avoid enrolling in NHIS due to financial losses, while patients face unaffordable bills. Addressing this requires policy overhauls to align pricing with service value and incentivize NICU participation.

Summary

Dr. Nawaane’s push for expanded preterm infant care infrastructure reflects Ghana’s broader challenge of balancing healthcare accessibility with sustainability. He advocates for:
– Scaling NICU capacity nationwide
– Integrating neonatal services into NHIS
– Raising public awareness about newborn care

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

• Revise NHIA tariff audits to reflect NICU operational costs.
• Allocate budget lines for neonatal equipment in the 2026 national health plan.
• Streamline licensure for private hospitals to build NICUs in rural areas.

For Healthcare Institutions

Invest in staff continuous training programs and adopt digital health records for neonatal monitoring. Partner with NGOs like Save the Children to access grants for equipment procurement.

Points of Caution

Risk of Underfunding

Even with new facilities, inadequate budgeting could lead to equipment shortages and staff burnout. Regular audits and transparent resource allocation are critical.

Insurance Enrollment Delays

If NHIS tariff revisions stall in Parliament, NICU access may remain a privilege for wealthier Ghanaians. Advocacy groups must pressure lawmakers to fast-track negotiations with the NHIA.

Comparison

Ghana vs. Kenya’s NICU Model

Kenya’s Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) program, which trains parents to provide skin-to-skin contact for preterm infants, boasts a 30% lower mortality rate compared to conventional care. Ghana could combine modern NICUs with KMC to reduce reliance on expensive hospital stays.

Legal Implications

Recent amendments to Ghana’s Health Insurance Act allow for private sector involvement in NHIS expansion. However, legal challenges arise when hospitals sue NHIA for delayed payments. Dr. Nawaane’s push for tariff reforms may face litigation risks if pricing disputes escalate.

Conclusion

Dr. Nawaane’s vision for Ghana’s NICUs aligns with global goals to reduce neonatal mortality by 2030. Success depends on harmonizing policy, funding, and community engagement. By prioritizing preterm infant survival, Ghana can not only save lives but also reduce long-term healthcare costs tied to complications like cerebral palsy and developmental delays.

FAQ

Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Neonatal Mortality Statistics
• Ghana Health Service – National Health Insurance Scheme Levels of Care
• Life Pulse Daily – Original interview with Dr. Nawaane (2025)