Delays at referral centres increasing maternal deaths

Ms Angelina Sagoe, Head of the Obstetric and Gynaecology Unit of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital says delay at home and late referrals of pregnant women continue to be the major cause of maternal deaths.

She said in the last quarter alone, they recorded over 20 pregnancy related deaths, a situation she claimed could have been avoided.

Ms Sagoe, who is also a Principal Nurse told the Ghana News Agency “Patients are always brought in poor conditions which only takes a miracle to make a difference”.

She said some pregnant women refused to attend antenatal clinics despite the free maternal care through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Ms Sagoe urged district hospitals and clinics not to delay patients’ especially pregnant women who needed emergency care.

Meanwhile, the hospital recorded six natural deliveries and one cesarean section operation on New Year’s Day.