Kumasi, June 5, GNA - An Israeli medical engineering team on Wednesday handed over the refurbished Maternal and Baby Unit (MBU) facility at the Kumasi South Hospital to the hospital officials at a ceremony in Kumasi.

The refurbishment was part of the Israeli government's support of the implementation of the Millennium Cities Initiative, which is being implemented in Kumasi as part of the United Nations' effort to support the country to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The team installed facilities such as beds, electrical fittings, cooling systems, photo therapy machines, radiant heaters, oxygen supplying equipment among others. Mr Michel Holisen, leader of the team, who presented the keys to the Madam Patricia Appiagyei, KMA Chief Executive, urged the authorities of the hospital to take good care of the facilities to ensure their longer lifespan.

Madam Appiagyei on his part said the assembly would source for funds to ensure the early completion of the project to ease congestion at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Dr Mrs Mary Sagoe, Paediatrician at the hospital said the un-completion of the MBU block was affecting the proper functioning of the facility. Dr Frank Abebrese, Medical Superintendent of the hospital appealed to banks and other institutions to come to the aid of the hospital to complete the project.

Miss Abenaa Akuamoah Boateng, Coordinator of the Millennium Cities Initiative, mentioned the training of an emergency response team and the establishment of a trauma centre at KATH as some of the projects financed by the Israeli government under the programme.