Maternal deaths increase in Assin

Assin Foso (Central Region), 13th July, 99 -

The Assin District of the Central Region has over the last two years recorded a steady rise in maternal deaths and complications arising out of pregnancy and delivery cases, a maternal morbidity and mortality audit report of the district has shown.

Figures quoted from the report by Dr Kodwo Sekyi-Appiah, Assin District Director of Health Services said the maternal mortality of 500 per 100,000 of 1997 is quite alarming compared to the national figure, which is 214 per 100,000.

Dr Sekyi-Appiah was speaking at a graduation ceremony for 50 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) after a two-week intensive training course in various aspects of reproductive health at Assin Foso.

He said because of the socio-economic importance of women and the fact that they become endangered during pregnancy and labour, the government has through the Ministry of Health put in place a package of reproductive health services and programme to safeguard the lives of mothers and children.

He noted that many mothers do not deliver at the hospitals partly because they can not afford the cost of delivery and appealed to the government to make the cost of delivery at the hospital free as it has done for ante-natal and post natal visits.

Miss Georgina Asimedi, a Public Health Nurse, who was the course co-ordinator, commended the World Vision International and the Assin District Assembly for their support.

She said until facilities and services were brought closer and made affordable, the Ministry of Health would continue to rely on the services of TBAs to improve the quality of services rendered.

Miss Florence Kumi, Member of Parliament for Assin North on behalf of the organisers of the course, presented certificates and working tools to each of the participants.

She warned them to work within the confines of the course and refer all complicated cases to the health authorities.

GRi