News
Tamale West Hospital wants more beds and space for expectant mothers
The Tamale West Hospital in the Tamale metropolis has called for immediate assistance to ease the pressure on midwives and expectant mothers at the maternity ward of the facility.
Lack of space and labour beds has compelled expectant mothers to give birth on the floor, and this poses a lot of risk during this pandemic.
Madam Mary Mensah, in-charge of the labour ward made the appeal during a visit by a delegation from UNICEF to inspect how expectant mothers were coping amid the outbreak of the deadly corona virus in the country.
“We just delivered a baby on the floor, which is a normal thing we usually do when the mother is due and there is no space for her.”
“With only four delivery beds in the labour room, we sometimes deliver over 20 children especially during the peak month of September and about 5,000 in a year,” she said.
Madam Mensah said that even with inadequate resources and concerns about the COVID-19 disease exposure, the priority of the midwives was to continue to risk their health and lives so as to bring new life into the world safely.
“Two mothers share the same bed after delivery, they are observed briefly then discharged in order to make room for other mothers,” she added.
Dr Patrick Gyampoh, the Medical Superintendent stated that, the hospital was doing its best in adhering to the World Health Organisation’s protocols of social distancing by providing adequate space for each bed, but there is not enough space to stick to the measures.
“With even the 15-bed capacity, some of the beds are moved to the corridor and some women are forced to sleep on the floor which isn’t appropriate,” he said.
“As we are encouraging pregnant women to deliver at the health centres, if the place isn’t safe, how will they feel comfortable adhering to our calls?” Dr Gyampoh asked rhetorically.
He said that, the hospital in its small way, was gradually expanding some wards to make adequate room for mothers to feel very comfortable visiting the health facility, and commended UNICEF for its continuous support in saving lives of children and mothers, especially in remote and deprived areas.
Dr Mrunal Shytre, Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF Ghana, applauded the midwives at the hospital for their dedication, despite the little resources available, in saving the lives of children and women in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He promised UNICEF’s unalloyed support to the government in providing the necessary measures to ensure the safety of midwives, children and mothers in the country.
The delegation also visited a dedicated site to construct a Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) department for the hospital.
From: Geoffrey Buta, Tamale.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
