Korle-Bu Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of care to deliver a new born baby?
If it’s a normal vaginal uncomplicated delivery and the mother is also admitted for a couple of days of less, it can be as low as 100,000-150,000 cedis. Otherwise, it can be as high as from 400,00 to 800,000 cedis. If the child is ill and has to be admitted to NICU the bill is usually in the range of 800,000 to 2 million cedis.
How long is the average stay for discharged babies still being detained at the hospital?
Discharged babies can stay in the hospital from anywhere from 1 day to a couple of months awaiting payment of bills. In NICU the average may be a week or two. There are lot who are detained for up to a month or more.
Is there is cut off time for parents to make full payments before kids are released from the hospital?
There isn’t an official cut-off time for parents to make full payments before the kids are released. They will be released once the bill has been paid or when referred to social services, they may be released once a portion of the bill has been paid; but they are still responsible for paying the rest. Usually, the whole bill must be paid before discharge. Some do manage to abscond and leave the hospital with their children without being detected.
Do parents ever abandon their newborns in lieu of payment?
There have been a number of cases when mothers have abandoned their newborns in the hospital and have never returned. At NICU it probably happens at least every couple of months if not more frequently.
If you have a question you would like to ask the Korle Bu staff, please do so via our contact us page.
*NB: The current exchange rate of the cedi to the dollar is $1 to 9,267.3 cedis (January 2008).
Who built your website?
Our site was built by Marshall Grant. His company name is grantmx designs. If you would like to employ his services or have any questions, you may contact him at: http://www.grantmx.com
Will my gifts be tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are 501(c)(3) tax deductible under U.S. Law.