Expectant mothers at the Yeji Matthias Hospital in the Pru East District are being forced to deliver their babies on the bare floor due to an inadequate and overcrowded labour ward.
The dire situation has raised serious concerns among health professionals and residents, who are urgently appealing for government and stakeholder intervention.
According to reports by Adom News and accounts from hospital staff, the current labour ward is too small to accommodate the growing number of pregnant women who seek care at the facility.
The lack of space and essential equipment has left midwives and doctors struggling to manage deliveries under unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Acting Medical Director at Yeji Matthias Hospital, Dr Evans Narh Dotcher, described the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
“We are doing our best to save lives, but the environment is not conducive. At times, women in labour have no option but to lie on the floor because the available beds are already occupied. It breaks our hearts as health workers,” he said.
Some affected mothers who spoke to Adom News recounted their harrowing experiences.
“When I came in to deliver, there was no bed for me. I had to lie on the floor until a space became available. It was painful and humiliating,” one woman narrated.
The hospital serves a large population across Yeji and surrounding communities, yet its infrastructure has not kept pace with the rising number of patients.
Health officials warn that the situation could lead to increased maternal and neonatal complications if urgent steps are not taken.
A senior midwife at the facility is calling on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and development partners to construct a new, fully equipped maternity ward to improve maternal healthcare delivery in the area.
“Maternal health should be a top priority. No woman should go through labour on the floor. We are pleading with authorities to come to our aid,” Madam Baffoe Vivian said.
Residents are hopeful that the relevant authorities will respond swiftly to alleviate the suffering of pregnant women and ensure safe deliveries at Yeji Matthias Hospital.
