The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has reported a decline in maternal deaths, marking significant progress in the health sector’s efforts to improve maternal healthcare.
According to Dr. Rafi Rozan, the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at GPHC, during a recent press conference, there have been 10 maternal deaths recorded at the hospital this year.
He outlined the causes of these deaths, attributing three to ectopic pregnancies, three to respiratory disorders, three to hypertension disease in pregnancy, and one to hypovolemic shock after a cesarean section.
Despite the recorded deaths, Dr. Rozan highlighted the successful interventions that saved over 300 women in critical condition, categorizing them as maternal near misses.
Globally, there are approximately 2 million stillbirths every year, occurring at a rate of one in every 16 seconds.
In Guyana, there were 54 stillbirths recorded this year, representing 11 for every 1000 births.
Dr. Rozan shared plans for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department to enhance its services further.
A specialist in urogynecology will soon join the team, and a new unit for maternal fetal medicine will be established to provide special care for severe maternal morbidity and life-threatening cases.
The decline in maternal deaths and the successful interventions demonstrate the commitment of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to improving maternal healthcare outcomes and ensuring the well-being of mothers and infants.