Medics decry high mortality rate
Expectant mothers in the corridor of the maternity ward at Fort Portal Regional Referral hospital recently. Photo by Scovia Atuhaire
What you need to know:
Background. At least 40 mothers have died at Fort Portal Hospital since January
KABAROLE.
Health workers at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital have expressed concern over the high mortality rate, with about 40 mothers reported to have died at the facility since January.
According to the assistant in charge of maternity ward, Ms Nusura Naziwa, their assessment established that mothers lack antenatal care and they come to the facility when it is too late.
“Most of the pregnant mothers come to the hospital when in a very critical condition. Some come when they have severe malaria and we try our best to save their lives and that of their babies but in most cases, it is too late,” Ms Naziwa said on Wednesday.
The health worker attributed the problem to poverty.
“When the condition is very bad, we refer mothers to Mulago National Referral Hospital but most fail to go, saying they have no money to take care of themselves while at Mulago and end up dying here,” she added.
The principal hospital administrator, Ms Grace Rubaale, said they have worked tirelessly to reduce mortality rate but mothers from the remote areas come to the hospital when they are in a bad state.
“Most mothers from Bundibugyo, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Kamwenge districts are brought when they have severe malaria and low blood,” Ms Rubaale said. She also accused health centres and private clinics in rural areas for referring patients late. “When a patient is brought in a more critical condition, it may not be easy to save her life,” she said.
