Still births at Harare hospital: Seven out of eight births at Harare Hospital are still births according to top doctor Norman Matara. Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have also appealed to the ministry to look into the situation as mother and children are dying in the hospitals.
“The carnage happening in our health system. This maternity register at one of the tertiary hospital in the capital shows that 7 out of the 8 deliveries on this chart resulted in stillbirths. Heartbreaking. Pregnant women cannot access maternal health services,” Matara said.
Matara posted the chart below as being one from a local hospital:
Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists statement on the situation in hospitals
Grave Situation in hospitals
As the Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which encompasses all
practicing specialists in this area currently operating in Zimbabwe we have found it prudent to voice our concerns and appeal to the relevant authorities on behalf of our patients as we believe it is our mandate to do so in addition to raising public awareness about women and newborn health.
The situation in our hospitals is beyond dire. Our women are suffering and we believe that all stakeholders, the government, medical practitioners, civil society and individuals must act to save the voiceless mothers and babies.
The nurses strike means that there is insufficient staff to monitor women in Labour,
administer medications and assist the doctors in the hospitals.
Simply put unborn children and mothers are dying daily, or suffering from the repercussions of inadequate care.
We believe the grievances of the Healthcare workers are valid and must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Our hospitals need adequate staffing and sundries as well as medication to provide care. Even in the face of COVID-19 restrictions Maternal and Child health care remains essential and its neglect could result in more indirect COVID-19 related deaths.
We appeal for a response from the relevant ministry as to how this is being addressed and are begging for any other bodies offering a solution to approach us as a society.
For and on behalf of all pregnant women and their unborn children in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Still births at Harare hospital
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