Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is expected to officially open the newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on New Year’s Day.

This as the NICU has undergone major upgrades to increase its capacity from 18 to 30 beds to better accommodate newborns in need of specialized care.

Nkomo-Ralehoko will also join mothers to celebrate babies born on New Year’s Day.

Gauteng Health Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, “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 immunization to protect children from preventable diseases.”