Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Setor Dumelo, has pledged his commitment to strengthening preterm baby care at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

He said his goal is to support the facility to deliver world-class treatment for preterm infants and ultimately position the hospital as one of the leading neonatal care centres in West Africa.

Speaking at an event to mark Preterm Awareness Week in Accra, the MP stressed that the stories and struggles shared by parents of preterm babies demonstrate the urgent need for increased investment in neonatal services.

“The experiences of parents who have gone through this journey are both inspiring and heartbreaking. They make it clear that we need more resources, more specialised care, and more support for families,” he said.

Mr Dumelo explained that improving preterm care must be seen as a national priority, noting that enhanced neonatal services would not only save lives but also reduce long-term medical complications for affected children.

He added that providing the necessary equipment, training and infrastructure would ensure that preterm infants receive the best possible chance at survival and healthy development.

The MP reaffirmed his readiness to work with the management of UGMC, health professionals, and development partners to scale up interventions aimed at improving outcomes for preterm babies.

“We must make sure that no child loses the fight simply because the system failed them. I am committed to playing my part to ensure that UGMC becomes a centre of excellence in neonatal care,” he stated.