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Accra-based Merton International Primary and High School, at the weekend launched a GH�150,000 appeal for funds in aid of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital�s Paediatric Surgical Theatre, ravaged by inadequate budgetary and logistical support. The school has previously donated curtains, bed sheets and other items worth thousands of cedis to the paediatric unit. Miss Rachel Adu Nkansah, who launched the appeal on behalf of her colleagues said: �With inadequate support from government, the situation we find there (unit) is heart breaking. The lack of equipment for surgery in the paediatric ward means children needing surgery have to be taken to the adult ward and sometimes they have to wait as long as three years, depending on the urgency of the case. �Lack of equipment means that the number of children that can be operated on have reduced and sometimes cases get worse resulting in untimely deaths or living with the discomfort of diseases,� she explained. Miss Nkansah said: �Everyone needs to get on board...For those who have already been moved and are ready to get involved in this worthy cause can do so by texting JT to 1736 on all networks. It costs you only 30 pesewas.� As part of the fund raising efforts the school will organise a musical night dubbed: �Simply Music�. One can also call the school on 0285011000 and make donation or through Unibank Dollar account number: 0320207677226 and Cedi account number: 0210107677229 Dr William Appeadu Mensah, Head of Paediatric Surgery Unit and Lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, accredited for bringing the attention of the theatre to the school said government had voted some money for reconstruction of the unit although the project is capital intensive. He noted that although the facility is not spacious the medical authorities are able to carry out more than 15 surgical operations every week comprising cases like hernia, swellings and tumours. Mrs Elizabeth Mary Adoadorkor Batie, Chief Executive Officer of the school said daunting as the project may be there is hope that with the support of the school community and the public, it could be possible. �Imagine the relief we will bring to children all over Ghana, if they can have access to surgical facilities when necessary, in a child friendly environment that will reduce the trauma they go through as a result of being ill?� she asked. Mrs Elsie Dansoa Kyereh, Head of Corporate Banking of Unibank presented a cheque for GH�10,000 towards the fund whilst Mr Emmanuel Kojo Kwarteng, Public Relations Officer of Ghana Commercial Bank announced a GH�5,000 donation from the financial entity. Mr Iddrisu Nashiru, Head of Business Development of StarLife Assurance Company Limited also made known the company�s donation of GH�3,000.