Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Akuretinga Ayine, is constructing a maternity block to add to the Katanga CHPS compound that was built by the government years ago. Dr. Ayine believes that the addition of a maternity block is essential to providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
The maternity block consists of a labor ward, delivery room, postnatal ward, laboratory, consulting room, staff accommodation, and other necessary facilities to cater to the needs of pregnant women and new mothers. Dr. Ayine said he recognizes the importance of investing in maternal healthcare, as it is a critical aspect of overall public health.
Dr. Ayine was speaking to the media when he presented a cheque for Ghc200,000.00 to help complete the maternity block, which is at the roofing level. According to Dr. Ayine, the completion of the project will fulfill a promise he made in the heat of 2020.
“In 2020, when I was doing my campaign rounds, I came around to greet the nurses here, and they took me around where they do deliveries and told me that the situation was pathetic. They told me that the place could only accommodate one pregnant woman at a time. But sometimes there may be two of three women who come to deliver, and when they don’t have space, two will lie on the floor and one on the bed. So, when I was told the situation, I promised that I was going to help build a maternity block here.”
After the architectural designs to pave the way for the start of the project, the MP said he donated Ghc40,000 for the start of the project and again supported it with an additional Ghc60,000.
“Later on, my National Health Insurance project money came, and I gave them Ghc150,000, and now I am giving them Ghc200,000. According to the contractor, he may need another GHC200,000 to complete this project”, he stated.
It is expected that the project that is under the construction firm of Kangre Enterprise will be completed and handed over for use by next year. The MP however, expressed regrets that the government’s attitude of delaying funds for Members of Parliament is thwarting the progress of the maternity ward “because the NPP government is not releasing funds for the various sectors.”
The Katanga Health Center serves as a referral point for the surrounding communities. Ramatu Ahmed, the Katanga Sub District In-charge believes that by providing a safe and comfortable environment for women to give birth, the maternity block will help to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates in the community.
The Bolgatanga East District Director of Health, Emmanuel Kupuo, thanked the MP for the support he continues to give to the health sector of the Bolgatanga East District.
“We want to thank the MP for Bolga East for the continuous support. This is not the first one; just recently, he was able to help us rent accommodation space for the medical officer who is currently at the Zuarungu Health Center.”
The health director said the maternity block, when completed, will improve health delivery and ensure the privacy of pregnant women during labor is protected.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Katanga|Ghana
