Samuel Ackon, GNA
Assin Nsuta (C/R) Dec. 18, GNA – Dr Francis Appiah, a specialist in obstetrician and gynaecology and a medical doctor at First Class Hospital at Assin Nsuta, has attributed maternal deaths in the country to undue delay on either the part of the patient or health facility.
He said maternal deaths sometimes occurred during or after a miscarriage, termination of pregnancy or ectopic or any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management.
Speaking in an interview with the GNA, Dr Appiah said some of the causes of maternal death include haemorrhage, cardiac diseases, hypertensive disorders, infections of the genital tracts and many more.
He identified the delay on the part of Doctors or health facilities in instituting proper management and referring cases early in the absence of adequate medication and care as regrettable.
On the side of the patients, financial problems, means of transportation and ignorance on the dangers of pregnancy are some of the challenges contributing to high maternal mortality.
He underscored the need for doctors and patients to act promptly to avoid or reduce maternal deaths in the country.
He called on colleagues in the health sector to handle pregnant women with extra care until they were safely delivered.
Dr Appiah commended the government for its ‘one district one ambulance’ policy and appealed for more ambulances to help save the lives of expectant mothers in particular.
He also appealed to the Ghana Health Service to establish a blood bank in each district for easy access while the use of drones should be extended nationwide to facilitate quality health care services.
