Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, reported a positive trend in maternal care in Guyana, citing a reduction in maternal deaths from the previous year.
In 2023, fifteen maternal deaths were recorded, compared to seventeen in 2022.
The Georgetown Public Hospital played a vital role in this improvement, recording ten maternal deaths this year.
The hospital delivered 15 to 30 babies daily, with a total of 4,860 deliveries, including 1,569 caesarean section deliveries.
Minister Anthony attributed this progress to interventions such as waiting rooms at regional hospitals and the implementation of telemedicine in remote areas.
The waiting rooms provide pre- and post-delivery monitoring for patients from outlying areas, contributing to better service delivery for maternal care.
Dr. Anthony highlighted the positive impact of communication systems, including telemedicine, and the addition of theatres in remote communities for cesarean sections.
The Minister noted that of the fifteen maternal deaths, one was incidental, not directly related to pregnancy, and two involved non-Guyanese individuals who faced complications.
The overall reduction in maternal deaths showcases the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to enhance maternal care.
As part of the initiative to improve maternal care, sixteen waiting homes were established in remote areas, with two new additions in the current year.