Expectant mothers who visit the Yeji Matthias Hospital in the Pru East District of the Bono East Region are being forced to deliver their babies on the bare floor due to an overcrowded and inadequate labour ward.
The situation has sparked concern among health workers and residents, who are urgently appealing for government and stakeholder intervention to address the crisis.
According to hospital staff, the current labour ward is far too small to handle the increasing number of pregnant women seeking care at the facility. Inadequate space and shortage of essential medical equipment has left midwives and doctors struggling to conduct deliveries under unsafe and unhygienic conditions.
Dr. Evans Narh Dotcher, Acting Medical Director at the Yeji Matthias Hospital, described the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
“We are doing our best to save lives, but the environment is not conducive. At times, women in labour have no option but to lie on the floor because the available beds are already occupied. It breaks our hearts as health workers,” he lamented.
“When I came in to deliver, there was no bed for me. I had to lie on the floor until a space became available. It was painful and humiliating,” one new mother shared.
The hospital, which serves a large population across Yeji and surrounding communities, is struggling to keep up with the rising number of patients. Health officials warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could result in increased maternal and neonatal complications.
A senior midwife at the facility has appealed to the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and development partners to construct a new, fully equipped maternity ward to enhance maternal healthcare delivery in the area.
“Maternal health should be a top priority. No woman should have to go through labour on the floor. We are pleading with authorities to come to our aid,” she said.
Residents remain hopeful that the relevant authorities will act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of expectant mothers and ensure safe deliveries at the Yeji Matthias Hospital.
