Bad roads affecting health care delivery in Ahafo-Ano South

The bad nature of roads in the Ahafo-Ano South District is said to have become a major hindrance to quality health care delivery in the area.

Pregnant mothers and other sick people find it difficult to make it to the health facilities and this has resulted in increased maternal deaths.

In 2011, the district recorded six maternal deaths as against a single case in the previous year.

Dr Albert Addai, Medical Superintendent of the Mankranso Government Hospital, said the story would have been different, if those women had reached the facilities early enough.

He warned that matters could only get worse unless the government acted with some sense of urgency to put the roads in there into good shape.

He was contributing to discussions at their annual performance review meeting held at Mankranso.

He expressed the determination of the health professionals to work hard to improve the quality of services to patients.

Mrs Felicia Maame Efua Eduah, a Public Health Nurse, complained about inadequate midwives in the area and said this was affecting maternal health care.

The district with a population of more than 190,000 and a total of 160 communities is served by only eight midwives.

She said the situation would have to improve to enable them reach out to all pregnant women.

She appealed for an ambulance to enable them transport the sick to the facilities for treatment.

Mr Patrick Fiagbe of the Regional Health Directorate urged the health workers to remain dedicated and maintain high standards of professionalism.