ADVERTISEMENT

Eastern Region records 61 maternal deaths in 6 months

According to the regional health secretariat out of 31,380 deliveries, 61 mothers died within the period.

This was disclosed during the 2017 Regional Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting in Koforidua.

Comparing it to the same period in 2016, this is an increase.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2016, the region recorded 52 maternal deaths out of the 30,220 deliveries during the same period under review.

VRA Kibi, community Hospital  Begoro, Enyeresi, Akuse, Asamankese, Providence, Hawa, and Kade Hospitals all recorded one death each during the year under review, while Kenop, Holy Family, TQMH, Atua, Nsawam and , Assesewa Hospitals also recorded 2 maternal deaths each.

Meanwhile, New Abirim government hospital and Presby Hospital recorded three (3) maternal deaths while five (5) maternal deaths were recorded at  Oda government hospital. St Dominic Hospital also recorded 8 cases of maternal deaths while the Regional Hospital recorded 20 maternal deaths (18 were referral cases).

The audit report on the maternal deaths recorded in the period under review was presented by Maternal and Perinatal Mortality Audit Implementation Tracking Committee highlighted Eclampsia /Hypertensive disease in pregnancy, Hemorrhage, Amniotic fluid/pulmonary embolism, unsafe abortion, and HIV/AIDS as the top five causes of the maternal deaths.

The audit report also disclosed that 89% of the maternal deaths were avoidable.

ADVERTISEMENT

53% were health worker related, while 36% were as a result of facility/administration related which included lack of ambulance, oxygen, resuscitation equipment.

47.3% of pregnant women who died during the year under review never attended antenatal care (ANC) while 52.6% attended (ANC).

Reacting to this development the Eastern Regional Director of Ghana Health Service, Dr Charity Sarpong said this was unacceptable.

“We find this unacceptable since several interventions have been put in place to improve maternal health. Some of these interventions include the PICCAM strategy that was launched in 2015, demarcation of the entire region into 5 zones and with each zone being assigned an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist specialist who was to provide diverse support, also setting up a maternal and Neonatal Audit Implementation and Tracking Committee .“

ADVERTISEMENT

She added that even though they were working tirelessly to improve healthcare delivery in the region, the lack of needed amenities and the shortage of staff especially in the rural and hard to reach areas are challenges that need solutions.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT