Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Challenges with Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Rates

Cape Coast Teaching Hospital continues to struggle with high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, with 863 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 40 per 1,000 live births. Despite efforts to improve healthcare services, challenges such as the lack of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit persist. The hospital management remains committed to enhancing quality care, while government officials vow continued support for healthcare improvements.

Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is facing challenges with high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, despite improvements in healthcare services. The maternal mortality ratio is currently at 863 deaths per 100,000 live births, indicating significant risks for mothers during childbirth. Additionally, the neonatal mortality rate stands at 40 deaths per 1,000 live births, showing ongoing peril for newborns within their first month of life.

Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged these concerning statistics during the hospital’s 2024 annual performance review. He noted that various efforts, including enhanced clinical care and community engagement, have not yet resulted in a reduction in mortality rates. The review’s theme focused on the necessity for resilient systems and effective stakeholder engagement in health services.

The primary contributors to the high mortality rates include severe pregnancy complications and neonatal sepsis. Furthermore, Dr. Ngyedu highlighted the absence of a standardized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a critical gap in the hospital’s capacity to manage neonatal care effectively. He expressed disappointment over the lack of support from institutions despite management’s outreach efforts for necessary resources.

In addition, the hospital faces multiple operational challenges such as inflated utility costs, staffing issues, and encroachment on its land, which hampers its ability to provide quality care. Nevertheless, Dr. Ngyedu reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to enhancing health services and improving performance metrics, including plans for a provident fund to support staff financially.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh commended the hospital for its progress in various clinical services and reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare personnel’s welfare. His address emphasized the importance of improved infrastructure while working towards comprehensive health strategies that align with universal health coverage goals.

Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, upgraded to a Teaching Hospital status in 2015, aims to foster excellence in healthcare while supporting medical education and research. The facility aspires to enhance the health outcomes of the population it serves and to become a notable center in the healthcare sector of Ghana.

In summary, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is grappling with significant maternal and neonatal mortality rates, attributed to various clinical challenges and infrastructural gaps. The hospital’s management is actively seeking solutions to improve care, while government officials affirm support for healthcare advancement. Ongoing commitment to healthcare improvement aims to foster better maternal and neonatal outcomes in the region.

Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com