Cape Coast Teaching Hospital grapples with high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, reporting 863 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 40 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu highlighted the need for improved neonatal care facilities and addressed multiple operational challenges. The Health Minister praised the hospital’s achievements, affirming government support to enhance healthcare personnel welfare and infrastructure.
The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, despite significant advancements in healthcare services, continues to confront the persistent challenges of high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. In 2024, the maternal mortality ratio was reported at 863 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting the severe complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, the neonatal mortality rate stood at 40 deaths per 1,000 live births, indicating vulnerable conditions for newborns within their first month of life.
Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, expressed concern over these alarming statistics during the facility’s 2024 annual performance review. Emphasizing the need for improved clinical care, he noted that the main contributors to these fatalities are linked to complications during pregnancy and neonatal sepsis. He identified the absence of a standardized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a significant impediment to effective neonatal care management, stating, “It will interest you to know that our facility does not have a standard Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to provide the needed quality health care to neonates.”
Moreover, Dr. Ngyedu addressed other challenges affecting the hospital, such as the high costs of utilities, salary payments, land encroachments, and the inadequacy of equipment and facilities. Despite these obstacles, he reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and improving key performance metrics. To support staff, he mentioned plans to establish a provident fund and a credit union that would better serve their financial needs.
Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, commended the hospital for its notable achievements over the years, especially in clinical investigations and rehabilitation services. He reiterated the government’s dedication to improving healthcare personnel welfare and promoting infrastructure development to meet universal health coverage goals.
The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital has undergone considerable expansions since its elevation to a Teaching Hospital status in 2015, aiming to provide patient-centered healthcare while also fostering medical education and research. The institution aspires to emerge as a center of excellence in healthcare delivery, ultimately enhancing the overall health and well-being of communities.
In conclusion, the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital faces significant challenges with maternal and neonatal mortality rates despite its efforts to improve healthcare quality. Addressing the lack of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and overcoming infrastructural obstacles are critical for enhancing care. The commitment from management and government support will be essential in transforming this facility into a center of excellence for healthcare in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
