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WMH reduces maternal deaths drastically

The Kassena-Nankana Municipal hospital in Navrongo, widely known and called the War Memorial Hospital, has recorded an impressive achievement in the area of maternal mortalities.

Date Created : 7/1/2019 7:06:57 AM : Story Author : Peter Atogewe Wedam/ Ghanadistricts.com

As of years 2015, 2016 through to 2017, up to about six maternal deaths were recorded per annum.

But the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Majeed Alhassan disclosed over the weekend that, this worrying number had since been cut down drastically to only one recorded case as at end of 2018. The doctor made the disclosure during a visit by the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Paulina Patience Abayage to donate some assorted items including diapers, several cartons soft drinks, packs of toilet roll and detergents among others to the hospital’s Children’s Ward.

Hon. Abayage last paid a similar visit to the same unit of the hospital in 2018 with gifts to children on admission and also, carried out some decoration works in the ward.

Meanwhile, Dr. Majeed said himself and the staff has pledged to do everything possible within their means to register zero maternal deaths this year but that sadly, one had so far been recorded by the half year. He said some vital lessons had been noted from that unfortunate death which should guide them moving forward in the handling of similar cases so as to forestall any other mishap. He observed that the availability of skilled staff and increased collaboration with health facilities from surrounding districts will help tremendously in reducing deaths.

The Medical Superintendent disclosed that the hospital’s catchment population was about 130,000 with a bed capacity of 164 to cater for admissions as well as patients recuperating from surgeries. He added that the facility could only boast of one resident surgeon while by staffing norms, the hospital ought to have not less than 10 doctors on rotation. According to him, the Navrongo Health Research Centre which is just close-by, had been augmenting the numbers of doctors with some three part-time doctors while the hospital itself, had just three full-time doctors.

He stated that regardless of the inadequate doctors, the hospital runs a 24-hour service and also serves as the main referral destination for all CHPS facilities and other clinics in the area in addition to other referrals from the sister districts of Kassena-Nankana West, Builsa North and Builsa South. Sometimes too, the hospital receives referrals from neighbouring Burkina Faso.

Dr. Majeed revealed that the hospital was built before independence and has since not seen major structural development or additions except for a few extensions and renovation works done over the past few years. He however acknowledged the support from the Municipal Assembly saying that, it helped to accommodate doctors, refurbished a doctor’s bungalow and also extends financial support for undertaking periodic outreach programmes.

According to him, Management had instituted some measures in order to make the hospital match up with modern trends and innovations in health service delivery. It for instance, introduced the use of information technology software in its claims processing which brought about efficiency and speed, leading to an increase in revenues.

He appealed for additional support in various forms such as provision of vehicles, infrastructure and modern medical equipment that can position the hospital effectively to handle any medical emergencies and all other forms of health care that the citizenry demands at all times. He also complained of rampant power fluctuations in the Navrongo area that had the tendency of damaging expensive medical wares and asked authorities to move in and rectify the situation as soon as practicable.

The War Memorial Hospital also lacks an adequate water storage facility to ensure constant supply of water, an imperative commodity in the rendering of quality healthcare services. The Medical Superintendent therefore put this request directly to the Regional Minister but Hon. Abayage responded that, she could not say right away that she could fix the problem but promised to consult the Municipal Assembly to see the best way forward.