Brong Ahafo records fall in maternal deaths
Dr Jacob Abebrese, Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Health Services, on Thursday said the Regional Hospital recorded a decrease of 22 per cent in maternal deaths last year.
He said the hospital recorded 14 maternal deaths as against 18 in 2013.
Dr Abebrese said this at the 2014 review meeting of the hospital in Sunyani aimed at accessing its performance on health delivery to the public and the way forward.
He said the reduction in maternal deaths was because of improved skilled delivery and awareness campaign on blood donation, availability and proper storage of blood, regular maternal audits, and correct use of patograph.
Dr Abebrese said strengthening of case risk identification, and ensuring the availability of needed logistics for safe delivery were also additional strategies adopted by the hospital for that success or achievement.
He mentioned Haemorrhage, Eclampsia and Septic Abortion as some of the direct causes of maternal death at the hospital.
Dr Abebrese commended the staff for the significant improvement in access and provision of maternal health services during the period under review.
He said the hospital was able to commence the construction of isolation wards for the management of Ebola cases through collaboration with the Regional Health Directorate and was able to keep major equipment functional throughout the year in spite of the unstable power supply.
Dr Abebrese said some major challenges confronting the hospital included financial constraints, erratic flow of funds from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and low tariffs for NHIS clients.
Others are inadequate staff residential accommodation, unavailability of critical staff such as Neurosurgeon and Pediatrician, frequent breakdown of equipment, especially laundry machines, incinerator and water pump systems.
Source: GNA