The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is currently grappling with high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, with maternal mortality at 863 per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 40 per 1,000 live births. Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu highlighted the need for a standardized neonatal intensive care unit and addressed various operational challenges. The hospital, upgraded to teaching status in 2015, aims to improve healthcare delivery and medical education amid these difficulties.
The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is facing significant challenges with maternal and neonatal mortality rates, despite improvements in healthcare services. According to Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer, the maternal mortality ratio is alarmingly high at 863 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2024, while neonatal mortality stands at 40 deaths per 1,000 live births. These figures highlight the elevated risk mothers and newborns face during critical periods.
Dr. Ngyedu expressed concern over the ongoing incidence of maternal and neonatal deaths, attributing these outcomes to complications related to pregnancy and neonatal sepsis. The absence of a standardized neonatal intensive care unit significantly hampers effective management of neonatal health. Despite seeking support from various institutions, constructive responses have yet to be received, adding to the facility’s challenges.
In addition to a lack of adequate neonatal care resources, the hospital struggles with high utility payments, staff accommodation issues, and inadequately maintained medical equipment. However, Dr. Ngyedu remains committed to enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery and improving performance metrics. Steps will be taken to establish a provident fund and credit union for staff support, reflecting the management’s dedication to improved corporate governance.
During the annual performance review, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, commended the hospital for its advancements in clinical services, such as MRI and physiotherapy rehabilitation. He conveyed the government’s dedication to enhancing health personnel welfare and infrastructure, striving towards achieving universal health coverage.
The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, a tertiary institution established as a teaching hospital in 2015, is focused on providing exceptional patient-centered healthcare, medical education, and community health initiatives. The facility aspires to be a beacon of excellence in healthcare delivery and research, aiming to elevate the health standards of Ghana and its surroundings.
In summary, while the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital has made strides in healthcare, it continues to confront pressing challenges related to high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The leadership is taking significant steps to address these issues, including a focus on better resource management and staff support. The government also expresses commitment towards enhancing health facilities throughout the region to support these efforts.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
