Five years after the inauguration of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the Burns Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the facility is yet to admit and cater for a patient.

Joy News' Hannah Odame who toured the facility said the two-storey structure has mostly been under lock for the five years since 2010.

According to the Director of the Burns Unit, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, at least 1.5 million dollars will be needed to refurbish and re-equip the facility.

 The ICU was not put to use immediately after it was commissioned because it was only partially equipped at the time. However, years of neglect has resulted in a deterioration of sections of the unit.

Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah recalls the unit was last opened around June this year for minor works to be done, becoming the second time it was opened after the 2010 inauguration by First Lady at the time, Ernestina Naadu Mills.

Hannah explains that the first floor is the only partially equipped floor of the two-storey facility. These equipment have nover been used. Dr. Opoku said some critical components needed to complement the existing equipment are unavailable.

Being the only kind in the West African sub region patients troop to the burns center from various countries but the absence of an ICU hampers its smooth operation.

Dr. Ampomah said many deaths could be prevented if the unit’s operations are enhanced.