A devastating incident unfolded at St Anne's Hospital in Damango, Savanna Region, as two babies lost their lives due to a power outage caused by an outstanding power debt.
The Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo) disconnected the hospital's electric supply, amounting to GH¢4 million in debt.
The hospital, operating under the Catholic Health Directorate, faced dire consequences as the power cut prevented them from accessing essential resources.
Dr. Gbeadese Ahmed, the head of communications and clinical coordinator of the hospital, explained in an interview with Citi FM monitored by Tellusghana.com that the two babies perished due to the hospital's inability to transfuse blood.
The lack of power meant they could not retrieve blood from the Blood Bank or conduct compatible blood tests for the infants.
Tragically, this was not the first time the hospital experienced a power disconnection.
Earlier, on May 4, NEDCo severed the electric supply, only to reconnect it later following intervention from the Savanna Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jibril.
However, the reprieve was short-lived, as NEDCo issued a warning that power would be disconnected again on May 9 if the outstanding debt remained unpaid.
Dr. Gbeadese expressed profound concern over the recurring power outages and their devastating consequences.
He disclosed that another baby was currently in critical condition, emphasizing the hospital's ongoing struggles to provide adequate care.
The power outage not only affected blood transfusions but also led to the suspension of deliveries at the hospital, further compounding the challenges faced by patients and medical staff.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about the critical importance of consistent and reliable power supply, particularly in healthcare facilities.
The tragic loss of young lives serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a resolution to the outstanding power debt issue.
Efforts are underway to address the situation and prevent any further loss of life or disruptions in medical services.
Authorities and stakeholders are urged to work collaboratively to find a solution, ensuring that hospitals like St Anne's can operate without the fear of power disconnections, providing the vital care and services that the community relies upon.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact that power outages can have on vulnerable individuals, highlighting the need for sustainable and reliable power infrastructure to safeguard lives and wellbeing.
Credit: Tellusghana.com
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