Maternal health in Berbice was given a boost when Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton commissioned a newly renovated maternal unit at the Port Mourant Hospital.
The facility was not budgeted for but became a reality with corporate support
The maternal unit at the hospital was previously known as the “referral centre” as all patients were referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, even those who were already in labour. This is now expected to change as the maternal unit which was commissioned on Friday can cater for at least 16 patients and is equipped with an incubator, a warmer, two foetal monitors, two electronic beds among other necessities.
The unit is expected to benefit patients living along the Lower and Central Corentyne, Black Bush Polder as well as complement the Skeldon Hospital.
Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with a population of 110,000 and an average of in excess of 2200 deliveries annually, the Port Mourant Maternal Unit will play a major role and ease the burden on the Skeldon and New Amsterdam hospitals.
The Port Mourant Hospital Maternal Unit
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Norton said it is hoped that the new facility will assist in overall efforts to reduce maternal deaths.
“We have become famous for having the highest suicide rate in the world. I want to remove our names from that top spot. I referred to suicide because along with suicide and mental health on my front burner is the maternal mortality rate. Every time a mother dies, I feel as though I am not as I should be.”
So far this year, there have been 12 maternal deaths in the country. Last year, Guyana recorded 17 maternal deaths.
Meanwhile, Director of Health Services – Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens explained that despite the project not being budgeted for in the 2016 National Budget, it became a reality with corporate support. (Andrew Carmichael)
