Ntokozo Khumalo1 January 2025 | 6:15

Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital opens neonatal ICU on New Year's Day

The hospital has the country's highest birth rates, with about 17,000 deliveries a year.

Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital opens neonatal ICU on New Year's Day

FILE: Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Picture: Sethembiso Zulu/EWN.

JOHANNESBURG - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital will start the New Year with an upgraded neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The hospital has the country's highest birth rates, with about 17,000 deliveries a year.

The NICU renovation has ramped up the capacity by adding 12 more beds to accommodate newborns who require specialised care.

READ: GP health takes steps to fix laundry woes at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital

Gauteng health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will be at the hospital in Soweto, Diepkloof for the official opening on 1 January 2025 to welcome the New Year's babies. 

“The MEC will also engage with the parents about the importance of registering their babies immediately after birth at the Department of Home Affairs offices located in all Gauteng public hospitals. Furthermore, the MEC will highlight the significance of timely immunisation to protect children from preventable diseases.”