7 Nov 2024

The 46-bed, state-of-the-art facility, established with the support of UNICEF Pakistan, includes a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Unit, mother-based nursery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Critical Bay Unit, High Dependency Unit (HDU), and an Isolation Unit.

Hospital Director Dr. Khalid Masud highlighted key features of the NICU and expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for their vital role in establishing this unit, which was completed for approximately 28 million rupees. He also acknowledged UNICEF’s commitment to solarization and enhancing the daycare center at BKMC.

The UNICEF KP Health Team Lead highlighted the issue of stagnant neonatal mortality in Pakistan, where around 700 newborns die daily, mostly from preventable and manageable causes. Unfortunately, most of these deaths occur in rural areas. Dr. Inam emphasized the need to promote home-based newborn care and advocated for the establishment of Level 2 newborn intensive care units at all district headquarters hospitals.

The unit was inaugurated by Mr. Ihtisham Ali, Advisor to the Chief Minister KP on Health, and Dr. Inamullah Khan, UNICEF Health Team Lead, who jointly cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque.

Following the inauguration, Health Advisor Mr. Ihtisham Ali, accompanied by former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaisar and other dignities, visited the unit and thanked UNICEF for their valuable support in neonatal care.

Mr. Ihtisham Ali said at the ceremony, “This neonatal care unit is the first of its kind, providing comprehensive, high-quality care to newborns with all essential services under one roof.” The current KP government has shown keen interest in establishing more neonatal care units like this.

Former Speaker and current Member of the National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaisar appreciated the efforts of the management and thanked UNICEF for their invaluable support.