$47M Maternal Waiting Home commissioned at Kumaka

With the aim of promoting safer pregnancies and reducing maternal mortality in the hinterland, a newly completed $47 million, 12-bed Maternal Waiting Home was commissioned on Sunday. Located within the compound of the Kumaka District Hospital in the Moruca Sub-District, Region One (Barima-Waini), this facility is purpose-built to provide expectant mothers from remote communities with a safe and comfortable environment to stay both before and after delivery. The Waiting Home features consultation and examination rooms, as well as a fully equipped laundry area and kitchen, ensuring both medical care and day-to-day convenience are readily available. During the commissioning ceremony, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reducing maternal deaths nationwide, particularly in hinterland regions including Regions One, Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Historically, pregnant women from remote villages often embarked on long and challenging journeys to hospitals only after labour had begun, sometimes resulting in deliveries en route and preventable complications.

“Most maternal deaths are preventable and we must take deliberate actions to avoid them,” Dr Anthony stated, emphasising the importance of early access to care. To address this challenge, the Ministry has been constructing Maternal Waiting Homes at various interior hospitals. These facilities allow pregnant women, particularly those at risk or residing in remote areas, to travel to hospital early, stay nearby and access professional care when labour begins. The Minister highlighted that maternal mortality has decreased in all hospitals where such waiting homes have been established. The Kumaka Maternal Waiting Home will provide mothers with a secure and comfortable environment before and after delivery. Following childbirth at the adjacent hospital, mothers can return to the facility until they are ready to reunite with their families and travel back to their communities.

Minister Anthony noted that the facility was intentionally designed with maternal comfort in mind, reflecting the significant investment made. The commissioning of this facility is part of the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen maternal and child health services, particularly in hinterland regions where geographic barriers limit access to care. Minister Anthony also expressed his satisfaction at returning to the Moruca sub-region and observing the ongoing transformation of health facilities and services. “Over the past few years, there has been significant improvements, not only with new equipment and infrastructure but also with increased staffing so we can deliver better service,” he said.

The Minister noted that these improvements extend beyond Kumaka, with enhancements implemented across several health centres in the sub-region. He commended the local health team for their technical leadership and dedication in driving these positive changes. Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region One, Dr Steven Cheefoon, expressed deep appreciation for healthcare workers who have witnessed the region’s transformation. He recalled the challenges faced during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Moruca lacked X-ray services and a functional laboratory. “Today, we are commissioning digital X-rays and a maternal waiting home where mothers can relax in comfort, be closely monitored and deliver healthy babies. A healthy baby is the first step to a successful future,” Dr Cheefoon said. He reaffirmed the region’s commitment to eliminating maternal deaths, stillbirths and preventable complications, goals that are now within reach.
“Let us all share in this joy today. This is a milestone for Moruca and a proud moment for Region One,” he added. The Ministry of Health remains committed to expanding similar initiatives across Guyana, ensuring that every mother can deliver safely and every child has a healthy start to life. Currently, eight Maternal Waiting Homes are operational across Guyana, providing a combined capacity of approximately 169 beds.