The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for urgent and practical measures to reduce maternal mortality in Ghana, describing preventable deaths during childbirth as unacceptable in the modern era.
Otumfuo made the call when the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi during the second day of her official tour of the Ashanti Region.
The Asantehene commended the Deputy Health Minister for her work under the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (M-MARP). He also welcomed the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to address the persistent challenge of maternal deaths across the country.
Otumfuo stressed that women who visit health facilities to give birth should be able to return home safely with their babies. He therefore urged doctors, nurses, midwives and other frontline healthcare professionals to strengthen their commitment to quality maternal healthcare and help prevent avoidable deaths.
He cautioned health professionals against negligence and called for greater professionalism, accountability and dedication in the delivery of maternal health services.
The Asantehene also encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal care regularly and follow medical advice throughout pregnancy. According to him, early and consistent access to antenatal services and skilled healthcare can help detect pregnancy complications and ensure timely treatment before conditions become life-threatening.
Otumfuo further urged the Deputy Minister to accelerate the implementation of the M-MARP initiative, describing the programme as an important intervention in Ghana’s efforts to improve maternal healthcare and reduce preventable maternal mortality.
Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah is currently touring the Ashanti Region to engage healthcare stakeholders and health facilities on strategies to improve maternal health services. The tour forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and accelerate measures aimed at reducing maternal deaths.
Source: newsthemegh.com