The CEO of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Opoku Ware Ampomah, has launched a hearing test project for newborns in the hospital, which he said would be “a game changer for many children.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr Ampomah reiterated the importance of this initiative and pointed out that it was the application of modern technology to ensure that children were not left behind in the area of medical screening.
As part of the preparatory work for the roll-out of the project, training sessions are currently ongoing for staff of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Obstetric and Gynaecology and Child Health departments.
Ampomah therefore urged the participants to “make sure that we spread the knowledge, the resources and collaborate, because at the end of the day our goal is to make sure that the patients are supported and people get the kind of help they need.”
He commented that “we should get to a point where every single child born in Ghana should have access to comprehensive basic screening services not only in audiology but for cleft palate, among others.”
Ampomah further added that “when we work together, we can advocate to make sure that resources are not spent in the wrong areas but on the right things which would make an impact on people’s lives.”
Dr Kenneth Baidoo, the head of ENT Department, stressed the importance of the Newborn Hearing Screening Project and opined that the quality of hearing improves when hearing disabilities are detected and treated early.
Following the commencement of Cochlear Implant surgeries at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Cochlear Implant Manufacturer, MED-EL and Allied Partners (Hearing Health Alliance), have approved support for a two-year pilot project.
The pilot project, which will be led by the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, is expected to set the pace for newborn hearing screening in Ghana.
This pilot project has also been planned to run in multiple health institutions, including Ridge Hospital, 37 Military Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The Hospital’s management and its audiology department are happy and ready to work for the successful piloting and subsequent implementation of this life-changing programme.
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