Health officials revealed that skilled deliveries in the district increased from 80.9 percent in 2024 to 94 percent in 2025.

The development was announced at Hwidiem during the Asutifi South District Health Directorate’s 2025 annual performance review meeting.

Speaking to Adom News, the District Health Director, Thomas Suuri, attributed the improvement to intensive public education campaigns and strengthened referral systems within the district’s health facilities.

He also noted that Out-Patient Department (OPD) attendance rose by 2.2 percent, indicating that more residents are seeking healthcare services at the facilities.

Meanwhile, the Health Committee Chairperson for the district, Nana Ama Asieduaa, commended health workers for their dedication to improving healthcare delivery.

She highlighted that interventions introduced by the directorate have contributed to a significant reduction in cases of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and maternal mortality compared to previous years.

ALSO READ:

Middle East tensions won’t affect Ghana; avoid blame – Akim Oda MP

Middle East tensions a wake-up call for energy security – PHDC CEO

The initiative, under the Maternal Immunisation Safety Monitoring Programme, will track adverse events from vaccinations.

It will be led by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with implementation by the Dodowa and Kintampo Health Research Centres.

Pregnant women in health facilities within the catchment areas of the two research centres will receive vaccines and be monitored for safety during pregnancy and after delivery.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra, Dr. Edwin Nkansah, Director of Vaccines, Vigilance, and Clinical Trials at the FDA, said the project aims to establish an effective system for evaluating vaccine safety in pregnant women.

“One of the things this project will do will be to monitor how pregnant women react at every stage of their pregnancy when they receive a vaccine,” he said.

Dr. Nkansah noted that the registry would provide the FDA with comprehensive data on vaccine effects on pregnant women and their children, ensuring proper monitoring of pharmaceutical products used during pregnancy.

Dr. Frank Atuguba, Director of Dodowa Health Research Centre, said 150 women from the project areas had been selected for initial monitoring of maternal health records from early pregnancy until delivery.

He explained that the process would continue after vaccination.

“Generally, vaccines are the most cost-effective way of preventing diseases, but there are some infections that can be effectively tackled by vaccinating a pregnant woman with the intention of protecting the unborn child,” Dr. Atuguba said.

He added that the project would also include vaccine trials for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Group B Streptococcal Pneumonia to protect both pregnant women and their babies in early life.

Madam Adeli Ashie, Chief Regulatory Officer at the FDA Safety and Monitoring Department, said pregnant women face a higher risk of contracting diseases that could lead to mortality.

She said the Pregnancy Registry aligned with the FDA’s mandate to monitor vaccine safety for pregnant women.

She noted that unhealthy practices remained detrimental to their growth and development, as well as to that of their unborn babies, and urged them to desist from self-medication.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani during a visit to the facility, Ms. Twumwaa also urged pregnant women and girls to attend antenatal clinics regularly to help reduce the incidence of macerated stillbirths.

She further advised them to deliver at health facilities, stating that this would allow specialists to manage labor complications.

Ms. Twumwaa emphasized that pregnant women and girls needed to be aware of their obstetric history, which would help them navigate labor without difficulties or complications.

A midwife on duty, Ms. Stella Kwei Anin, also cautioned pregnant women against strenuous work that could lead to miscarriage and other health complications.

She urged them to visit health facilities immediately whenever they noticed abnormalities in their bodies.

ALSO READ:

• Taari residents, pregnant women appeal for help over collapsed bridges

• Asampu Assemblyman calls on govt after 5 pregnant women die due to poor roads

Speaking to Adom News at the Ahafo Regional Health Directorate’s 2023 Annual Performance Review Meeting in Goaso, Dr. Dodor indicated a decrease from 66 percent to 64.9 percent in the number of pregnant women availing themselves to health facilities for delivery.

He emphasized the importance of reversing this trend, underscoring that expecting mothers should not shy away from seeking competent midwives’ assistance for safe deliveries.

He urged them to maintain consistent visits to health facilities, similar to their attendance for antenatal care.

Dr. Dodor also lamented that despite efforts, some health workers are reluctant to accept postings in Ahafo due to inadequate accommodation and poor road networks.

He appealed to stakeholders for assistance in addressing these challenges, to enable the region attract more committed health personnel to ultimately save lives.

READ ALSO:

• Latest update on doctor ‘suspended’ over Kuami Eugene’s accident

• Akufo-Addo sacks Hohoe MCE

• Don’t sign ‘draconian and hateful’ anti-gay Bill – Richard Branson to Akufo-Addo

Among the number, between 13 and 17 per cent develop suicidal intentions.

The analysis was conducted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UK-Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO), the Mental Health Authority, academia, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) among other partners.

The report on maternal mental health was disseminated among key stakeholders in Accra last Tuesday.

Maternal mental health refers to the mental well-being of women during pregnancy,  childbirth and the postpartum period and includes depression,  anxiety,  post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.

The exercise was to review literature, existing policies and the state of maternal mental healthcare to identify gaps, strengths and make recommendations that would improve mental health and mental healthcare delivery during and after pregnancy.  

Stakeholders at the dissemination workshop included the WHO, the Ghana Medical Association, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Mental Health Authority, academia, scientists among others.

Gaps 

Throwing more light on the report, a consultant to the WHO, Dr Promise Sefogah, said even though sufficient evidence existed on the adverse impact of maternal mental health disorders on mothers and infants, coupled with the high prevalence in the country, there was little provision in the healthcare system for its screening, early detection and effective management.

He also mentioned the findings to include inadequate training of healthcare workers on maternal mental health and lack of knowledge on diagnostics, management and referral pathways.

He said the report, therefore, called for an integration of maternal mental health interventions within the health system along the entire value chain at all levels of care delivery and a national policy in that regard.

He also mentioned other recommendations to include high-level advocacy in Parliament, increased government investment in the sector and the inclusion of maternal mental health in the National Health Insurance policy to make it accessible and affordable for all. 

The outgoing Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said maternal mental health issues could have significant implications for maternal and child health outcomes. 

“Untreated maternal depression and anxiety can lead to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth and may affect breastfeeding practices and infant bonding. 

“This can also lead to long-term consequences for emotional, cognitive and behavioural development of children,” he said.

“To address these challenges holistically and globally, WHO member states adopted and committed to meeting global targets of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 for improved mental health services to the people,” he explained. 

Mr Agyeman-Manu said through the review, the government had made several efforts to ensure the provision of high-quality mental health services to the population.

He said strengthening the mental health system and ensuring that women had access to the support and care they needed during pregnancy and the postpartum period was a collective effort that required all levels of society to provide high-quality sustainable maternal mental health services. 

“I wish to assure you that the Ministry of Health will provide the necessary leadership and direction to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations in this report,” he said.  

WHO

In a speech read on his behalf, the Country Representative of WHO, Professor Francis Kasolo, said over the past decade, maternal health indices had been the priority of the global community with a focus on maternal mortality to the neglect of other conditions that affect the wellbeing of the mother, particularly her mental health.  

Globally, evidence suggests that the prevalence of postpartum depression, anxiety and stress is relatively very high.

“The dissemination of the status report today is the first step in translating policy into action and I want to congratulate the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Mental Health Authority, academia and civil society organisations on your commitment in conducting this assessment. 

“The WHO and partners would continue to work with the Ministry of Health and its agencies to ensure that identified strengths and opportunities such as the Network of Practice (NoP) approach are leveraged in developing specific interventions that promote the integration of maternal mental health services into routine perinatal care across various levels of service delivery,” he said. 

He said that would ensure improvement in the well-being of pregnant and postpartum women generally, as well as focused intervention targeting those with vulnerabilities such as adolescent girls, women with disabilities and those who have suffered foetal loss. 

Neglect 

In a speech read on his behalf, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said it was an undeniable fact that the bid to significantly reduce preventable maternal and newborn mortality had diverted attention from the agony and personal sad stories of numerous women and families that go unnoticed even in health facilities.

He said improving the quality of maternal and newborn care as outlined in the Reproductive Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) strategic plan 2020-2025 would require considerable improvement in the individual experience of women during childbirth, with particular attention to their psychological and social wellbeing.

“It is worth noting that in childbirth in its entirety, the related vulnerabilities place a mental health burden on women, if not supported.

The situational analysis has provided significant insights into the structure gaps in our healthcare setting, the extent of the human resource challenges in mental health and the highly stigmatising environment we live, in our communities.

“Nevertheless, these are the opportunities to craft pathways for more humane and enabling care through promoting family involvement and support during childbirth, which has traditionally characterised our society. 

“Improving access to maternal mental health services in a congenial atmosphere, supported by the right skills mix and equitable distribution of healthcare workers with the capacity to deliver comprehensive and integrated maternal mental health services at all levels of care, needs to be prioritised,” he said.

MORE:

• Ghanaian fashion designer Pokua Poqu passes on

• Dan Botwe appointed chairman of Bawumia campaign team

• Nadia Buari flaunts adorable baby boy; Ghanaians react [Watch]

Pregnancy can be brutal on women physically and even cause a heavy blow to their self-esteem.

Thes changes are caused by an increase in blood flow and surging hormones. These symptoms are not common among all women. Some women glow during their pregnancy but others do not.

What are some of the most brutal transformation and what causes them? Find out below;

1. Stretch marks

Pregnancy causes your skin to stretch because of the rapid weight gain. Your skin has a maximum capacity it can stretch to after which scars or have purple marks will appear

2. Acne

Some women have smoother skin during their pregnancy, while others are plagued by acne and pimples.

Increased hormones and excess oil secretion causes acne.

You might be tempted to use different products to clear your skin but do not fall for that trap. Some of your normal skincare products can have adverse effects, ask your doctor first.

3. Dark patches or chloasma

Pregnant women may notice they are getting darker, this is called chloasma. When women are pregnant, the female sex hormones cause extra melanin to be produced and, exposure to the sun makes this worse.

Use sunscreen if you are going to be under the sun because the sun will make you much darker. Sunscreen is harmless when you are pregnant.

4. Hair in unusual places

Some pregnant women have hair growing out of the most unusual places. They could see hair on their nipples, hair or back. That can be scary, but it passes after a while. These is caused by a rapid increase in estrogen.

5. Swollen feet and nose

Surprise, surprise, your shoes aren’t your size anymore. The flow of fluid to your feet and pressure on the uterus can lead to swollen feet. A swollen nose is caused by excess progesterone and estrogen. It can be very distressing to see your nose get that big.

All thse changes are likely to disappear postpartum.

Francisca Enchill takes you undercover to expose the agony of pregnant women in hospitals, a Pay or Die phenomenon at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Kaneshie Polyclinic and the Ga West Municipal Hospital, popularly known as the Amasaman Hospital.

This is part II of similar findings at the 37 Military Hospital, Maamobi General Hospital and the Mamprobi Hospital.

Victim’s ordeal at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

We run into a woman who looked devastated and asked about how things are done at the Maternity Unit, she narrated now she visited the facility with a cash amount of Ghc30 and was charged Ghc15 for some tests, a Ghc5 for covering her antenatal Health Record book and another Ghc5 she did not know what it was meant for. According to her, she realised she didn’t have enough money to take her back home and had to make a call for transportation to be sent to her through Mobile Money to aid her return home.

This is the reality of the financial struggles of the poor referred from the various health facilities to the premier hospital in Ghana. We begin this undercover work at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to capture live, this victim’s ordeal as it unfolds.

Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

The premier referral hospital averagely records about five Maternal Mortalities and can record up to 20 infant mortalities in a month.

In spite of this, the hospital and its staff have placed barriers in the way of access to Maternal Healthcare. Pregnant women do not enjoy the Free Maternal Healthcare policy in the premier hospital.

Antenatal

Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s Antenatal care is given at two different units of the hospital. The Gynae OPD and the Maternity Unit. The Gynae OPD only accepts pregnancies below 12 weeks and the Maternity Unit accepts pregnancies that are 12-weeks and above.

Gynae OPD: It was found during this investigation that NHIS card bearing pregnant women were required to pay GH¢105.20 for a folder at the Gynae OPD to begin antenatal and pay GH¢17.00 on each antenatal visit till after the 12 weeks where they move to the Maternity Unit.

Maternity unit: At the Maternity unit, pregnant women pay some official and unofficial charges.

Official Charge-Maintenance Fee

The unit officially demands payment of some GH¢5.00. You are not told what exactly you are paying for but every single woman attending antenatal is made to pay this amount on each visit. 

You are directed to pay at the bank and submit the receipt as prove to the nurse before you can enter the consultation room for your antenatal care. This payment is classified as Antenatal Maintenance Fee on the receipt.

The demand of the payment is emphasised at every point of the antenatal processing.

Unofficial charges

Also captured was the demand for some payments by health workers directly to themselves without issuing receipts. These payments included GH¢5.00 as cost of covering the Maternal Health Record Book with a rubber as well as the demand for the payment of GH¢15.00 at the Counseling room after HIV AIDS, HB and Sugar tests.

Management’s Response

The Chief Nursing Officer of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Mary Andoh Eshun, acknowledged officially charging the antenatal maintenance fee but said it was a management decision. 

She, however, denied knowledge of the GH¢5.00 unofficial charge by the nurses and the GH¢15.00 taken in the counseling room. According to her, all tests conducted at the counseling room are fully covered by NHIS. Meanwhile, staff members were found taking money from patients during this investigation.

She also stated that no staff of the unit is allowed to take any payment from any patient. Hence, staff found taking money during this investigation will face punitive action.

Ultrasound scan: At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a scan costs GH¢70.00.

Response of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

In an interview with the Chief Nursing Officer of the hospital, Mary Andoh Eshun, she admitted that the hospital charges for a scan. According to her, management made the decision to charge for scans and this was approved by the Ministry of Health and Parliament.

Laboratory tests: At the Central lab of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, pregnant women covered by the NHIS spend up to GHc142.00 on the first group of laboratory tests.

The following tests are supposed to be free but they are not free at this hospital. G6PD costs GHc49.00, Hep. Bs Antigen(HBsAg) costs GHc31.00 and the Urine routine exams cost GHc27.00.

MORE:

• Pay or Die: The agony of pregnant women in hospitals [Full Report+Video]

• Pay or Die documentary: Deputy Minister-designate for Health demands probe [Audio]

• Health Ministry, NHIA to probe ‘Pay or Die documentary’

At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Blood Group test is conducted at the Blood Bank, during a visit to that unit, the pregnant woman was charged Ghc35.00. The attendant at the Blood Bank stated categorically that NHIS does not work at the Blood Bank.

NHIS’s response

Mrs Vivian Addo-Cobbiah, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations at National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), stated that pregnant women should not pay for any of such charges as the hospitals make claims and get paid for rendering those services. According to her, these could be barriers that prevent the poor from accessing antenatal care, defeating the purpose for which the policy was introduced.

Delivery

At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, delivery is not free. It is paid for and it is expensive. The magnitude of unlawful charges for delivery varied depending on how normal or complicated the delivery was which informs what goes into the delivery.

At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, pregnant women with NHIS cover are charged GHc400.00 and above for spontaneous Vaginal Delivery while delivery by CS costs Ghc1,500.00 and above for NHIS holders.

The Premier hospitals appeared to have some similar practices like a strange phenomenon of NHIS not covering any drug in the pharmacy of the Maternity Unit. The difference though is at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, important drugs are administered on the pregnant woman when it is needed, and she is then billed to pay for the drugs during discharge. The hospital, however, gives prescriptions to escorts of pregnant women to make some other purchases elsewhere.

Aside the drugs, lab tests and scans are paid for on a cash-and-carry basis.

NICU: This investigation established that the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital renders Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) services, NHIS holders are charged for the care. Pregnant women are to budget Ghc1,000 in anticipation of a NICU.

Every NHIS covered woman whose newborn is admitted at the NICU of Korle-Bu is charged a fixed amount of Ghc410 and Ghc20 for wipes.

Despite having paid the fixed charge, lab tests, drugs are paid for on a cash-and-carry basis by the parents.

Management response

In an interview with Chief Nursing Officer of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Mary Andoh Eshun, she admitted that the hospital officially unlawfully charges for all the services found to be paid for during this investigation.

According to her, all those charges are management approved and those approvals have the backing of the Ministry of Health (MoH). Meanwhile, the MoH is the supervisor and regulator of the FMHC policy.

Ga West Municipal Hospital

We continued this investigation at the Ga West Municipal Hospital, popularly called the Amasaman General Hospital. Staff of this hospital exploit the vulnerability of pregnant women and their desperate families. They see delivery as profit making opportunity, cashing in on the poor and vulnerable with strange and insensitive charges like ‘Other income.’

Ultrasound Scan: At the Ga West Municipal Hospital, NHIS covered pregnant women are refused their free scan entitlement under the Free Maternal Healthcare Policy. A scan costs GH¢30.00.

Management’s response

In an interview with Dr Eric Sarpong-Ntiamoah, the Head of the Ga West Municipal Hospital, he said that scans medically requested are covered, hence pregnant women enjoy them for free but scan personally requested by pregnant women on the grounds of knowing sex of the unborn baby is paid for. This, he said, costs Ghc25.00.

His response was found to be inaccurate as this investigation established that scans medically requested for are equally paid for and the cost of scan in his facility is not Ghc25 as he claimed but rather GH¢30.00.

In fact, the staff who operates the scan room stated categorically that NHIS is not accepted in her unit. “I don’t accept NHIS here, you will pay! Ghc30.”

Laboratory test: At this hospital, pregnant women are denied free laboratory tests. The group of lab tests requested at the beginning of antenatal which are supposed to be free under the NHIS costs Ghc60.00 at this facility. All other subsequent labs are equally not free.

Management’s response

Dr Sarpong-Ntiamoah, said NHIS does not cover all required laboratory tests, hence, those covered are given for free while the others cost Ghc30.00.

According to him, “full blood count, is not covered, it is not part of the bundle, a test like Hepatitis B, which is also a very key requirement, it is an infectious disease, a mother may pass it on to the child is not on the bundle. G6PD, is not on the bundle. So we give the bundled ones for free and the ones that are not on the bundle, you pay a small token of Ghc30, for it.”

NHIS’ response to Laboratory tests

According to Mrs Addo-Cobbiah, all laboratory tests required in the cause of pregnancy are all fully covered by NHIS, hence, pregnant women should not pay any amount of money officially or unofficially.

“Every single lab test required, from the CHIPS compound, through to primary hospitals, through to secondary hospitals to even tertiary hospitals are fully covered.

“We have the benefit package for diagnostic services and they are all indicated with how much each of these diagnostic investigations cost clearly. So pregnant women are not supposed to pay anything.”

According to her, apart from services stated in the exclusion list that are not covered by NHIS, every other thing is covered. “Every required investigation for a pregnant woman is fully covered.”

Management of some hospitals claimed they were unaware of the benefits under the Free Maternal Healthcare policy. Mrs Addo-Cobbiah disagrees with that claim. According to her, any claim by the head of any Health Centre that they are not aware of the benefits is total falsehood as NHIA holds annual stakeholder meetings twice every year with heads of health centres. Ghana Health Service also invites NHIA to their review meetings and at each of these meetings, the education on NHIS policy and its benefits are continuously given to the health workers.

Antenatal drugs: This hospital also makes available the antenatal drugs at the antenatal unit. These drugs are given for free. However, pregnant women are made to pay for some other drugs.

Delivery: At the Ga West Municipal Hospital, despite the facility officially claiming that both spontaneous vaginal delivery and Caesarean section are free, this investigation established that delivery is not free in this hospital. The hospital charges both official and unofficial illegal bills.

Pregnant women are required to budget for more than Ghc500.00 to take care of the cost of delivery drugs, lab tests, charges like Assessment, Other income, Discharge, ward fund among others, the most critical health needs are paid on a cash and carry basis.

Escorts of pregnant women could spend as much as 45 minutes in queue to pay for the drugs to save a woman hemorrhaging after delivery.

Midwives in the Labor Ward charge women and their escorts unlawful charges as Ward Fund and cost of Episiotomy before discharging the women and their newborns.

This charge ranges between GHc90.00 and Ghc150.00. Receipts are not issued for these charges and any patient that insists on being given a receipt is intimidated by the midwives.

Kaneshie Polyclinic

We concluded the investigation of the six health facilities at the Kaneshie Polyclinic. Management of this facility claimed they were not aware of some of the benefits of pregnant women under the Free Maternal Healthcare policy.

Ultrasound scan: At the Kaneshie Polyclinic, pregnant women were officially charged GH¢35.00 for each scan. This amount is paid each time a scan is medically required.

Response of Management on scan

In an interview with management of the Kaneshie Polyclinic, management admitted charging pregnant women for ultrasound scans.

The Medical Director of the facility, Dr Stella Gyamfi, disclosed that she was not aware that scan was part of the entitlements of pregnant women under the Free Maternal Care policy.

NHIS response

According to Mrs Vivian Addo-Cobbiah, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations at NHIA, the hospitals are very well informed about what is covered under the FMHC policy, hence cannot be pardoned for claiming they are not aware.

“You will be given the Operations manual, medicines list, the tariffs so I don’t see any reason or justification for somebody to say that ‘I’m not aware’,” she added.

Laboratory: At the laboratory of the Kaneshie Polyclinic, the staff of the laboratory frequently announced that some of the compulsory tests pregnant women are required to undertake are not covered by NHIS, hence, all pregnant women are required to pay GHc40.00 for the tests not covered.

At the lab of this facility, samples are taken and the Ghc40.00 bill is issued. Pregnant women are then directed to pay at the bank after which the pregnant women are required to present copies of the receipt at the lab as proof of payment before results are released to them.

Management response on lab

Dr Stella Gyamfi disclosed that all lab tests are conducted for free for pregnant women as required by the policy.

“NHIS has approached us several times to clarify with us about lab, so the labs are done free since I came here and the lab In-charge was transferred here a few months after I came here. They are completely free; you don’t pay a dime,” she said.

However, the Head, Laboratory Technician, Ebenezer Nku, responded to the contrary.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      His response confirmed the findings of this investigation which is the payment of Ghc40.00.

These tests the facility charges the Ghc40.00 for are Hepatitis B, for which GHc10.00 is charged and full blood count, for which GHc30.00 is charged.

However, these two tests are covered according to the GHS. NHIS also emphasised that those two tests are covered.

Antenatal Drugs: The pharmacy of Kaneshie Polyclinic makes claims of non-availability of drugs covered under the Free Maternal Healthcare policy. Drugs that pregnant women are made to pay for are, however, always available. They refuse pregnant women drugs like folic acid, a drug used to treat or prevent folate deficiency anemia, help unborn baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly to avoid development problems, birth defects and miscarriage.

Management’s response on drugs

Although the pharmacist claimed folic acid was not available, the Medical Superintendent, Dr Gyamfi disclosed during an interview that the facility had enough folic acid in stock from September 2019 till date, an indication that, at the time of our investigation, the facility had folic acid but the pharmacy failed to give them out to pregnant women.

NHIS response on Scans

In an interview with Mrs Vivian Addo-Cobbiah, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations at NHIA, she said that every pregnant woman is entitled to two free Ultrasound scans, one of which can be done in the first trimester of pregnancy and the other, in the 3rd trimester. 

According to her, the NHIS Operation Manual states clearly that aside the two fixed scans pregnant women are entitled to as many free scans as medically required.

“Two ultrasound scans are covered by NHIS. You can go for your scan during the first trimester and you can do the same during the third trimester. But in-between, if there is any indication, that one too is covered. If it is medically requested, it is covered by NHIS.”

NHIA response to all charges

Mrs Vivian Addo-Cobbiah, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations at NHIA said stakeholder meetings are held on schedule and at these meetings, they discuss claim payments and challenges they face and the NHIA provides guidance to address the challenges.

“When you apply to be credentialed to provide services to our people, we give you the Operations Manual, we take you through what is covered and what is not covered, you are given the tariff structure, so you know, the services you are to provide, you know those that are covered, it is clearly stated, and you accept and sign at the regional office that you are going to work within the policy framework,” Mrs Addo-Cobbiah stressed.

According to her, because about 90% of most of the Internally Generated Funds of most of the facilities working with NHIS is made from NHIS, health facilities take interest in the policy so they know what the benefits entail.

Watch Part II of the Documentary below:

Watch Part I of the Pay or Die documentary below:

According to one of its executive members, Rosseta Boakye, the frequent and unnecessary nightmares of expectant mothers can be attributed to low blood level.

Low blood level is an indication of increased nightmares. It happens because blood supply to the brain is not enough. When there are hormonal changes, it aggravates to the brain, making the pregnant women have all sorts of dreams.

However, she revealed most times, what pregnant women see in their dreams are what had been processed in their brains as a result of their thinking while awake.

READ ON

• Annual ban on drumming and noise-making in Greater Accra starts on…

• President orders probe into test kits after goat, pawpaw test positive

Pregnancy is actually a tough period. Every expectant mother thinks of the condition of the unborn baby; is the fetus okay, how beautiful it will be, will it be deformed after birth? Others even experience dreams where someone is demanding for their baby.

Miss Boakye explained to avert most of such dreams, it was essential for the pregnant woman to consult a specialist on how to maintain a normal blood level.

Adding her voice, Public Relations Officer of the Association in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem said to ensure a safe delivery and mother-child health, the expectant mother should eat well and exercise regularly, without taking the issue of antenatal lightly.

This is according to the Chairman for Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations on Health, Dr Gabriel Benaku.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based TV3, he expressed fears the virus could be passed unto the unborn babies.

Click here to read more on coronavirus

“We have already spotted seven pregnant women who are infected with covid-19. That have implication on their children and their immediate family,” he said.

He, however, appealed to the government and able-individuals to continuously provide support towards the fight against the deadly disease.

Meanwhile, Ghana as at April 28, 2020 had recorded 1,671 cases, 188 recoveries and 16 deaths.

Pregnant women at Worawora Kogokrom and its adjoining communities in the Biakoye District of the Volta Region do not go for antenatal due to lack of access to the only health facility in area, Worawora Government Hospital.

Some pregnant women have died on their way while being carried or trekking to the hospital.

The deplorable state of the road makes it difficult for vehicles to commute to and from the hospital so residents either trek or are carried to the hospital in terms of emergency.

Theresa Akoto is a 53-year who has given birth to seven children in the community and anytime she was on her way to the hospital, she delivers on the way.

She told Adomonline’s Gershon Mortey that she delivered only one out of the seven children at the hospital, the rest were all delivered while on her way to the hospital.

The residents say lack of hospital equipment have led the death of several people who would not have died should there by hospital equipment.

They claim eight to ten people die every year due to the deplorable state of the only health centre in the area and bad roads.

A resident, Samson Agbavor in an interview said Kogokrom is far from Worawora Government Hospital and the bad nature of the road makes it difficult for them to visit the hospital for proper treatment.

He mentioned that farming and fishing are the only occupation in the community, but because their roads are bad, they find it difficult to transport their fishes and foodstuffs to the nearest market for sale.

The residents are therefore appealing to the government to as a matter of urgency, come to their aid and construct their roads for them to be able to attend hospital and also resource the hospital.