Bosomtwi Health Officials Warn of Declining Maternal Care and Facility Deliveries
Poor roads, transport challenges, and limited diagnostic services cited as barriers to safe maternal healthcare
- ANC attendance and facility-based deliveries in Bosomtwi are declining.
- Transport difficulties and limited diagnostic capacity hinder maternal care.
- MP Yaw Osei Adutwum pledges interventions to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.
Health officials in the Bosomtwi District have raised alarm over a decline in antenatal care (ANC) attendance and health facility deliveries, citing poor road infrastructure, transportation difficulties, and limited diagnostic services in smaller health centres as key factors.
The District Director of Health, Dr. Twumasi Mensah, explained that many pregnant women delay seeking care, making it challenging for them to complete the recommended minimum of four ANC visits. This, he said, limits the ability of health professionals to provide comprehensive maternal care.
Authorities also noted a steady drop in facility-based deliveries in recent years. Access to major referral centres in Konstanz and Pramso remains difficult, particularly in communities where road conditions have worsened.
As a result, some expectant mothers resort to home births or rely on untrained traditional birth attendants, increasing the risk of complications. In remote areas, referrals often fail because women lack the financial means, time, or transportation to travel long distances. Additionally, smaller health facilities lack essential services such as laboratory testing and ultrasound scans, further constraining maternal healthcare delivery.
The concerns were outlined during a meeting with the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwi, Yaw Osei Adutwum, who met with midwives and frontline health workers to assess the challenges and identify solutions to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.
Dr. Mensah emphasized that transportation barriers and inadequate resources continue to hinder effective referrals and safe deliveries. The meeting follows reports that three maternal deaths were recorded in the district last year.
Dr. Adutwum initiated the engagement as part of efforts to achieve zero preventable maternal deaths. Health officials expressed hope that improvements in infrastructure, outreach services, and staff support will encourage more women to access skilled care. The MP has pledged to support urgent interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
