Midwives at the Adeiso Health Centre in the Upper West Akim District of the Eastern Region have been forced to rely on commercial taxis to transport emergency referral patients, following the prolonged breakdown of the district’s two ambulances.
Despite working tirelessly to avert maternal deaths, health officials say the lack of functioning emergency transport continues to severely hamper critical care in the area.
District Chief Deputy Superintendent Midwife, Evelyn Adobea Darko, revealed that healthcare workers are under immense pressure, navigating both logistical hurdles and a worrying surge in teenage pregnancies.
”Our primary goal is to save lives and prevent maternal deaths at all costs, but operating without a single working ambulance in the district puts an overwhelming strain on our staff. Relying on commercial taxis for emergency referral cases is far from ideal, yet we cannot fold our hands while mothers and unborn children are at risk.”
She attributed the spike in adolescent pregnancies to poor parental care, noting that some parents demand money and basic items from their teenage daughters.
This financial pressure, she explained, drives young girls into transactional sex, ultimately leading to unwanted pregnancies.
”We are witnessing a worrying rise in teenage pregnancies across Upper West Akim, and much of it stems from poor parental care. When parents pressure young girls for money or fail to provide basic necessities, these children are pushed into vulnerable situations just to survive.”
In response to the rising numbers, the health centre has set aside Wednesdays exclusively for teenage pregnancy care, ensuring young mothers receive dedicated support away from adult patients.
”Because of the high volume of teenage pregnancies we are managing, we made the conscious decision to reserve Wednesdays exclusively for adolescent care. These young girls require tailored support and guidance, and mixing them with adult pregnant women often creates discomfort and prevents them from speaking freely
Relief has, however, come in the form of improved infrastructure after the Upper West Akim District Assembly, led by District Chief Executive Rebecca Chisah, commissioned a modern maternity ward block at Adeiso to resolve severe bed and space shortages.
“The commissioning of the new maternity block by the District Assembly has brought much-needed relief to our staff and patients. The days of severe ward congestion and bed shortages at Adeiso Health Centre are behind us, allowing us to deliver safer, higher-quality maternal care.”
Supporting the call for stronger family support, Senior Midwife Sister Rita urged parents to prioritize the welfare of their daughters, warning that many fail to track their children’s menstrual cycles or provide basic sanitary towels.
”It is deeply troubling how many parents have completely detached themselves from the wellbeing of their daughters. A mother or father ought to know their child’s menstrual cycle and provide essential items like sanitary pads, rather than leaving young girls to fend for themselves.”
She cautioned against placing work and farming above parental responsibilities, stressing that neglect remains a major driver of early pregnancies in the district.
”Many parents in our community have prioritized their farms and daily trade over the welfare and moral upbringing of their children. While earning a living is important, neglecting your child’s emotional and physical needs creates room for peer pressure and early pregnancies.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
