Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Faces Challenges in Maternal and Neonatal Health
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is struggling 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. Despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, challenges persist due to the lack of a neonatal intensive care unit, financial burdens, and inadequate infrastructure. The facility aims to enhance quality care, supported by governmental initiatives.
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital continues to face significant challenges in addressing maternal and neonatal mortality, despite notable improvements in healthcare services. Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, reported a maternal mortality ratio of 863 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024. This alarming statistic indicates that approximately 863 mothers die for every 100,000 live births due to complications associated with pregnancy or childbirth.
In addition, the hospital registered a neonatal mortality rate of 40 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that 40 out of every 1,000 newborns do not survive beyond their first 28 days of life. These figures highlight the critical nature of maternal and neonatal health risks in the region. Dr. Ngyedu expressed concern over these statistics, attributing them to complications during pregnancy and neonatal infections.
The absence of a standardized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the hospital complicates neonatal care management further. Dr. Ngyedu noted the ongoing efforts to secure support from various organizations to enhance neonatal health services, but lamented a lack of positive feedback so far. He articulated, “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.”
Additional challenges faced by the hospital include high utility bills, the burden of paying 13th-month salaries, illegal encroachments on hospital land, and inadequate medical equipment and accommodation for staff. Despite these hurdles, the management remains committed to delivering quality healthcare and improving overall performance.
Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, extended commendations to the facility for its progress over the years, particularly in clinical services and diagnostic rehabilitation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare personnel and outlined a comprehensive strategy to develop infrastructure and promote innovation towards achieving universal health coverage.
As a tertiary healthcare facility, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital has undergone significant expansions since being upgraded to teaching status in 2015. The institution aims to provide high-quality, patient-centered healthcare while advancing medical education and community health initiatives. It aspires to establish itself as a leading center for healthcare delivery, research, and medical instruction, contributing to the well-being of the Ghanaian populace and beyond.
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is actively striving to combat the challenges of high maternal and neonatal mortality rates despite facing various obstacles. The absence of a specialized NICU and persistent infrastructural limitations impact the quality of care. However, the commitment from hospital management and praise from health authorities underscore a collective effort towards improving health outcomes in the region.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
