Saviour Kwartemaa, mother of a newborn baby girl who tragically died after being transported in a taxi with an oxygen cylinder due to limited medical resources in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region, has shared her painful experience.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Friday, she recounted the ordeal.
“After I gave birth, I was very weak, so they said the baby needed oxygen. My husband took her to the hospital in Kukuom because I couldn’t go due to my condition.”
She explained why she was unable to accompany her child during the transfer.
“I delivered naturally, but I had complications in my private part. It became swollen and sore, and I couldn’t even walk. Just imagine nine months of pregnancy and all the stress you go through, only for your baby to suffer and die like that. It’s very sad.”
The quick response of health workers at the Asunafo South District Hospital nearly saved the infant, who was referred from a maternity home in Nobeko near Kukuom with life-threatening breathing difficulties.
The newborn’s condition was critical immediately after delivery, with irregular breathing requiring urgent resuscitation.
Despite the severe shortage of medical equipment, the hospital staff administered antibiotics, oxygen, suction, and manual ventilation to stabilize the baby.
Tragically, after the long and stressful transfer, the newborn passed away on Wednesday.
Ms. Kwartemaa said: “They tried their best, but it was too much stress for her little body. I couldn’t even name her before she left us. I have truly lost a treasure.”
The incident has renewed calls for improved emergency medical care in parts of the Ahafo Region, especially the need for functional ambulances, oxygen supply, and neonatal support systems.
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