The wife of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Lady Julia, has commissioned the Manhyia Hospital Maternity Ward expansion, a project she spearheaded.

The new block brings the total number of beds in the maternity ward to 40, with 16 beds newly added to the existing capacity. It has an operating theatre, private delivery suite and a VIP ward.

The block named after the Queen of the Ashanti Kingdom, Her Majesty Nana Konadu Yiadom III was funded by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation in collaboration with the JOBerg Foundation.

The facility was commissioned on April 27, 2024.

Speaking at the event, the Medical Superintendent of the Manhyia Hospital, Dr Kamarudeen Korku Hussein, expressed his immense gratitude saying the expansion became necessary as the ward could not accommodate their growing pregnant clients.

“The hospital sees on average 25,000 pregnant women annually at our antenatal Clinic. These undoubtedly results in about 75 deliveries per week, that is, around 3,900 deliveries annually- one of the highest delivery sites in the region. This obviously led to congestion in our maternity unit all the time with many clients lying on mattresses on the floor corridors witnessed by His Majesty himself during his recent tour of the facility.

“Until this new extension was constructed, the maternity had a bed capacity of only 24 which was woefully inadequate for the traffic encountered. The new building will enable us to increase our bed capacity by 16 to 40. It also offers an additional operating theatre for prompt surgical intervention when the need arises. For the first time, each woman will have a private delivery suite as well as an opportunity to choose a private VIP ward for occupancy.”

Dr Hussein also called on stakeholders to support the hospital in acquiring an up-to-standard administration block, a laboratory, a surgical ward, a public health unit, stores, a purpose-built emergency unit, a purpose-built diagnostic centre and purpose-built on-site accommodation for key emergency staff.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of JOBerg Foundation, Mr Joseph Magnus Martey Marteye, emphasized the need for collaboration in resolving challenges in the health sector.

He recognizes that such interventions create a healthcare system that leaves no mother behind and ensures every child has a healthy start in life.

“The partnership between the JOBerg Foundation and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision in improving healthcare in our community. Today we have created a space that will provide expectant mothers the care and support they deserve during this precious time of their lives.

“This is not just a building but a symbol of commitment to the well-being of mothers and their babies. It is a place where new lives would be welcomed into the world where families will experience the joy of childbearing and where health professionals will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of both mothers and children.”

Speaking on behalf of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, after whom the block has been named, Mamponghemaa Nana Agyakoma Difie II stated that the decision is in the right direction as the Queen has shown passion towards mother and child healthcare since her ascension.

She recalled how the Queen dedicated her 5th Anniversary to breastfeeding advocacy and settled the bills of new mothers in selected hospitals in the Ashanti Region at the time.

According to Nana Agyakoma Dufie II, the expansion of the maternity ward is a “dream come true for Nana Asantehemaa”.

She use the occasion to call on the corporate bodies and individuals to rise to the support of the block with personal protective equipment to facilitate its smooth and effective operations.

“The name of Asantehemaa on the block makes it a huge responsibility for Asantes. Stakeholders should help the block in their own little way. If you can afford gloves, do give it to the block.”

Present at the event were Her Majesty Nana Konadu Yiadom II, Asantehemaa, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene, Otumfuo Hiahene and Board Chair of Otumfuo Foundation and some queen mothers.