WMH REDUCES MATERNAL DEATHS DRASTICALLY 29th June, 2019
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. As of years 2015, 2016 through
to 2017, up to about six maternal deaths were recorded per annum.
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| Hon. Paulina handing over the items to Dr. Majeed |
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 have 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 Brukina
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.
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| Dr. Majeed Alhassan, during an interview before the presentation |
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.
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