Guyana’s midwifery facilities inadequately staff, poorly equipped

Jul 24, 2011 News

During the launch of the midwifery report last week Family and Child Health representative from PAHO/WHO Karen Roberts, identified some gaps in the report that needed to be addressed.
According to Roberts some of the gaps have been identified as Competencies, which is a combination of knowledge, skills, attitude and professional behaviour that quality midwifery care requires, coverage and access.
Roberts in her presentation said that there is not enough fully qualified (knowledge, attitudes, skills and professional behaviour) midwives to manage pregnancies, number of births and the births that result in complications.
In terms of coverage, which she says is on a  24-hour basis in cases of emergency, obstetric and newborn care facilities are low.
Roberts further stated that existing facilities are insufficiently staffed and poorly equipped.
The inequities between urban and rural areas are that shortages are more acute in rural and/or remote areas. There is also an absence of team work.
She explained that the geographical and other logistical challenges include poverty which can result to the inability to pay transportation costs. There is also the absence of the absence of female service providers.
Roberts said that the absence of someone who speaks the local language and appreciates local culture and norms can also be a difficulty.
Roberts said that the report has pointed out that the National Health Plans should focus on maternal and newborn health needs and it should be integrated within the general health system.
Further more, adequate availability and distribution of emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities should be done, including midwife-led units of care.
Enabling policies and environment Roberts say, goes beyond having the necessary drugs and supplies available.
Roberts also highlighted the fact that there is the need for adequate infrastructure, communication tools and functioning referral systems (day and night) throughout the year.
Health care providers need to improved attitudes and professional behaviours.
The State of the World Midwifery Report 2011 under the theme “Delivering Health, Saving Lives” was launched on Thursday at the Cara Lodge, with a number of key stakeholders present.
Among those present were Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Ms Patrice La Fleur UNFPA Assistant Representative for their sub-regional office and Ms Otilia St Charles among others.
The report has been identified as an in depth examination of the midwifery services for a selected 56 countries around the world.
In the report itself, a number of recommendations were made so that development can be achieved.
A number of key world organizations have signed onto the report. These include Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said that the report has identified the general weaknesses around the world and also the various elements for a strong programme.
Dr Ramsammy said that Guyanese should be proud and take pride in the fact that a majority of the elements for a strong programme are currently in place.
However, in spite of that fact the Minister said that there are a few elements that still need more development. “Whether its laws, more staffing or medicine” are working on it.
Dr Ramsammy told Kaieteur News that at the moment Guyana has six midwives for per 10,000 population.