Swabi gets 46-bed neonatal care unit

SWABI: The Bacha Khan Medical Complex in Swabi has become the first medical teaching institution (MTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to get the largest neonatal care unit.

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 its vital role in establishing this unit, which was completed for approximately Rs28 million.

He also acknowledged UNICEF’s commitment to solarisation and enhancing the daycare centre at BKMC.The unit was inaugurated by 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 Ihtisham Ali, accompanied by former speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser and other dignitaries, visited the unit and thanked UNICEF for their valuable support in neonatal care.Ihtisham Ali said that the neonatal care unit was the first of its kind, providing comprehensive, high-quality care to newborns with all essential services under one roof.

“The KP government has shown keen interest in establishing more neonatal care units like this,” he added.Speaking on the occasion, Asad Qaiser appreciated the efforts of the management and thanked UNICEF for their invaluable support.